Our Lady of Merced, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Merced, is a title given to the Virgin Mary, particularly venerated in the Catholic Church. This devotion originated in the 13th century with the founding of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy by Saint Peter Nolasco in Spain. The order was established to rescue Christian captives from Muslim territories. The feast day of Our Lady of Merced is celebrated on September 24. She is often depicted wearing a crown and holding the child Jesus, symbolizing her role as a protector and intercessor. The image of Our Lady of Merced is especially significant in regions with a strong Catholic presence, such as Latin America and Spain.