Saint Peter Nolasco, O. de M. (Pere Nolasc in Catalan, Pierre Nolasque in French and Pedro Nolasco in Spanish) (†1256) was a Catholic nobleman known for founding the Royal and Military Order of Our Lady of Mercy of the Redemption of the Captives (the Mercedarians) in 1235 with approval by Pope Gregory IX. The order spread throughout most of Spain and was closely associated with the "Reconquista" of the southern provinces under Ferdinand and Isabella. In 1230, Nolasco became the first Superior and held the position of Ransomer, the order concerned with freeing Christian prisoners from the Moors. The order flourished in France, England, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. From Spain, it provided a missionary presence in the New World. Nolasco was canonized in 1628 by Pope Urban VIII. His Feast day is celebrated on May 6.