The Virgen de la Merced, also known as Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes or Our Lady of Mercy, is a significant Marian devotion venerated by Catholics, particularly in the Dominican Republic. The name Virgen de la Misericordia is also used synonymously. Her feast day is celebrated annually on September 24th. The origin of this devotion dates back to August 1, 1218, when the Virgin Mary, under the invocation of Virgen de la Merced, appeared separately to three notable figures. These were Saint Peter Nolasco, who would later found the Order of Mercy; King James I of Aragon, known as “The Conqueror” and the reigning monarch of the Crown of Aragon at the time; and Saint Raymond of Peñafort, a Dominican friar, Master General of his order of preachers, and confessor to King James I.
Since 1844, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, or the Virgen de la Merced, has been considered the “Patroness of the Dominican Republic.” She is revered as the spiritual mother of countless Dominicans who practice the Catholic faith. Every September 24th, the Día de las Mercedes is celebrated across the country. This Marian title of La Merced is the oldest in the Dominican Republic, tracing back to the foundation of the Mercedarian religious order on August 10, 1218, in Barcelona, Spain.
Over centuries, the veneration of the Virgen de las Mercedes has become a deeply ingrained tradition for Dominicans. Devotees honor and revere her in various ways. The Santo Cerro, the first Marian sanctuary in the Americas, located in La Vega, is a central pilgrimage site. Here, faithful Catholics from across the Dominican Republic and the world gather to fulfill promises and request blessings, especially for health.
In several Dominican cities, including Cabrera, Constanza, Hato Mayor, Imbert (Bajabonico), Pimentel, and Sabana Grande de Palenque, the Virgen de Las Mercedes is their patron saint. Each year, these cities hold patronal festivals in her honor, further highlighting the nationwide devotion to Día De La Virgen De Las Mercedes.
Traditionally, devout Dominicans make pilgrimages to the sanctuary of the Virgin at Santo Cerro in La Vega province. They journey with the hope of receiving blessings and to offer vows and promises to the Virgen de las Mercedes. Following the processions, devotees participate in Eucharistic services held in honor of the Día de la Virgen de las Mercedes, reinforcing their faith and commitment.
