Born at
Barcelona, she was the daughter of a Spanish nobleman named William de Cervellon. She was baptized on December 8 in
Santa Maria del Mar. Mary de Cervellione assisted at the Hospital of Saint Eulalia, which had been built largely through the generosity of Raimundo de Plagamans, a wealthy businessman in the royal service; and was located at Villanova by the sea. They obtained permission to constitute a Third Order of Our Lady of Ransom (de Mercede) and to wear the habit of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Ransom. In addition to the usual vows of tertiaries, they promised to pray for the Christian slaves. Mary was elected the first superior. Although the sisters devoted themselves to prayer, they were not a contemplative order. Mary de Cervellione continued to work at Saint Eulalia's, where the ransomed stayed once they returned. Because of her devotion to the poor and those in need she was called "Maria de Socos" (Mary of Help). She was credited, both before and after her death, with coming to the aid of ships in danger at sea so they might continue on course to safely deliver Christian prisoners. She died on September 19, 1290. ==Veneration==