Feast Day: 22 July
Patron Saint of: Penitents, converts, women, hairdressers, perfumers, pharmacists, contemplatives, and those seeking forgiveness and new beginnings.
Introduction
Among the women who followed Jesus Christ, Saint Mary Magdalene occupies a unique and honored place. She was one of Christ’s most faithful disciples, remained near Him during His Passion when many others fled, witnessed His burial, and became the first person to see the risen Lord. Because of this extraordinary privilege, the Church has long honored her as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” since she was entrusted with announcing the Resurrection to the Twelve.
Throughout history, Mary Magdalene has often been misunderstood. Popular tradition frequently identified her with the anonymous sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet or with Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. However, the Church today distinguishes these women as separate individuals. The Gospels present Mary Magdalene primarily as a devoted disciple who experienced Christ’s liberating power and responded with unwavering love and fidelity.
Her life speaks to every Christian. She is a witness to God’s mercy, a model of faithful discipleship, and a herald of the Resurrection. Her story reminds believers that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that those who encounter Christ are called to proclaim Him to the world.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene was a Jewish woman from the town of Magdala, situated on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. The name “Magdalene” simply means “from Magdala.”
The Gospels introduce her with a remarkable statement:
“Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.” (Luke 8:2)
Jesus delivered her from severe demonic oppression. Scripture does not explain the nature of this possession, nor does it associate it with any particular sin. The number seven often symbolizes completeness, suggesting that Christ freed her entirely from a life of deep suffering.
Following this encounter, Mary became one of Jesus’ closest followers.
A Faithful Disciple
Luke tells us that Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus and His disciples.
She belonged to a group of devoted women who supported Christ’s ministry from their own resources.
These women included:
- Mary Magdalene
- Joanna
- Susanna
- Several other faithful women
Unlike many cultural expectations of her time, Jesus welcomed women as valued disciples.
Mary Magdalene remained loyal throughout His public ministry.
Present at the Crucifixion
One of the most moving aspects of Mary Magdalene’s story is her unwavering loyalty during Jesus’ Passion.
While many disciples fled in fear, Mary remained near the Cross.
The Gospels consistently mention her among the women present at Calvary.
She witnessed:
- Jesus’ suffering
- His death
- His final words
- The piercing of His side
- His burial
Her love proved stronger than fear.
Witness to the Burial
Mary Magdalene carefully observed where Jesus’ body was laid.
This detail becomes important because critics later claimed that the women had visited the wrong tomb.
The Gospels emphasize that Mary knew exactly where Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus placed Jesus.
She intended to return after the Sabbath with spices to complete the burial rites.
The First Witness of Easter Morning
Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb carrying burial spices.
She discovered that the stone had been rolled away.
The tomb was empty.
At first she believed someone had stolen Jesus’ body.
According to John’s Gospel, she remained weeping outside the tomb.
Then something extraordinary happened.
Jesus Himself appeared to her.
At first she mistook Him for the gardener.
When Jesus simply spoke her name—
“Mary.”
Everything changed.
She immediately recognized Him and exclaimed:
“Rabboni!” (“Teacher!”)
This is one of the most beautiful recognition scenes in all Scripture.
Christ calls each disciple personally.
“Do Not Hold On to Me”
Jesus then said:
“Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.”
These words do not reject Mary’s love.
Rather, Jesus invites her into a new relationship based not on physical presence but on faith.
He then entrusted her with a mission:
“Go to my brothers and tell them…”
Mary became the first messenger of the Resurrection.
Apostle to the Apostles
The early Church treasured this event.
Since Mary Magdalene announced the Resurrection to the Apostles, Christian tradition honored her with the title:
Apostola Apostolorum
“Apostle to the Apostles.”
This title was frequently used by Church Fathers and medieval theologians.
In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical memorial to a Feast, placing her celebration on the same liturgical level as that of the Apostles (though distinct in nature), highlighting her unique role as the first witness to the Resurrection.
Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute?
Perhaps no misunderstanding has affected Mary Magdalene more than the belief that she had been a prostitute.
The New Testament never says this.
This confusion arose centuries later when several Gospel women were combined into one figure in some Western preaching traditions.
Today the Catholic Church clearly distinguishes:
- Mary Magdalene
- The anonymous sinful woman in Luke 7
- Mary of Bethany
Mary Magdalene is remembered in Scripture not as a prostitute but as:
- a healed disciple,
- a generous supporter of Jesus’ ministry,
- a witness of the Cross,
- the first witness of the Resurrection.
Mary Magdalene in the Eastern Churches
Eastern Christian traditions have always honored Mary Magdalene as:
- Equal to the Apostles
- Bearer of the Resurrection
- Evangelist of Easter
Many Eastern icons depict her holding a red egg, recalling a later tradition that she proclaimed Christ’s Resurrection even before the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
Traditions About Her Later Life
The New Testament is silent regarding Mary’s later years.
Ancient traditions differ.
The Ephesian Tradition
Some traditions suggest she lived with the Apostle John and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ephesus.
The French Tradition
A medieval tradition states that Mary Magdalene traveled to southern France, evangelized Provence, and later spent years as a hermit in prayer.
Beautiful churches in France preserve this memory, although historians cannot verify the account.
Regardless of these traditions, the essential Gospel witness remains unchanged.
Mary Magdalene in Christian Art
Artists usually portray Mary Magdalene with several symbols.
The Alabaster Jar
Represents devotion and loving service.
Long Hair
Reflects traditional artistic symbolism.
The Cross
Recalls her presence at Calvary.
The Skull
In later art symbolizes repentance and meditation on eternal life.
The Red Egg
Especially in Eastern Christianity, representing the Resurrection.
Lessons from Saint Mary Magdalene
1. Christ Can Transform Every Life
Mary experienced complete liberation through Christ.
No life is beyond God’s mercy.
2. Faithfulness Matters
She stayed when others fled.
True discipleship remains faithful even during suffering.
3. Love Recognizes Christ
She recognized Jesus not by appearance but when He called her by name.
Christ still calls every believer personally.
4. Every Christian Is a Witness
Mary did not keep the Resurrection to herself.
She immediately proclaimed:
“I have seen the Lord.”
Every Christian shares this missionary calling.
5. Hope Triumphs Over Sorrow
Mary arrived at the tomb in grief.
She left with joy.
The Resurrection transformed despair into hope.
Mary Magdalene in the Liturgy
The Church celebrates her feast on 22 July.
The liturgy highlights:
- faithful discipleship,
- God’s transforming mercy,
- the Resurrection,
- missionary witness.
Her Gospel reading is typically John 20:1–2, 11–18, recounting her encounter with the risen Christ.
Patronage
Saint Mary Magdalene is invoked as the patron of:
- Penitents
- Converts
- Women
- Hairdressers
- Perfumers
- Pharmacists
- Contemplatives
- People seeking forgiveness
- Those struggling with despair
- Evangelists and missionaries
Famous Churches Dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene
Many churches throughout the world bear her name, including:
- Basilica of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, associated with medieval traditions about her relics.
- La Madeleine, one of the most recognizable churches dedicated to her.
- Churches and shrines in the Holy Land commemorating her witness to Christ’s Passion and Resurrection.
Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene
O glorious Saint Mary Magdalene, faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, you remained at the foot of the Cross when others fled and were the first to behold the glory of the Risen Lord. Obtain for us the grace to love Christ with steadfast hearts, to persevere in faith during times of trial, and to proclaim with courage the joy of the Resurrection. Help us to seek the Lord with the same devotion that led you to the empty tomb, and may we hear Him call us by name. Pray for all who seek forgiveness, healing, and hope, that they may encounter the mercy of Christ and become faithful witnesses of His Gospel. Through your intercession, may we one day rejoice forever in the presence of the Risen Lord. Amen.
Legacy
Saint Mary Magdalene remains one of Christianity’s most inspiring saints. The Gospels present her not as a figure defined by her past but as a woman transformed by an encounter with Jesus Christ. Her steadfast presence at Calvary, her tears at the empty tomb, and her joyful proclamation—“I have seen the Lord”—make her a timeless model of discipleship.
Her witness reminds the Church that the Resurrection is not merely an event to be remembered but a reality to be proclaimed. From the first Easter morning until today, Mary Magdalene’s voice continues to echo through Christian history, inviting every believer to seek the risen Christ, to remain faithful in love, and to become a joyful messenger of the Gospel.
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