FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE – 22 JULY

22nd July

SAINT OF THE DAY
ST. MARY MAGDALENE

And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Mary, called Magdalene from whom seven demons had come out – Luke 8:2

Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene was one of the many who were assisting Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, out of their means.

She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother.

And, of all the “official” witnesses who might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given. She is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles”.

Mary Magdalene lived in the first century. She was the leader of the women who accompanied Jesus and the apostles on their journeys.

She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Jesus sent her to announce the resurrection to the others, and this is why she was called the “Apostle of the Apostles”.

From early times, she has been identified as the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in Simon’s house and with Mary, the sister of Martha.

However, most contemporary scholars now abandon this connection. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of the contemplative life and of women.

CONTEMPLATING THE LIFE OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE

SAINT MARY MAGDALENE

Saint Mary Magdalene is one of the most beloved women in the New Testament. A devoted disciple of Jesus, she witnessed His Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. According to the Gospel of John, she was the first person to see the risen Christ and was sent to announce His Resurrection to the Apostles. For this reason, the Church honors her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”

For many centuries, she was mistakenly identified with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and with Mary of Bethany. Today, the Church recognizes these as separate individuals because the Gospels do not identify them as the same person.

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In 2016, Pope Francis raised her liturgical memorial on July 22 to the rank of a Feast, highlighting her unique role in proclaiming the Resurrection.

Mary came from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Apart from her hometown, little is known about her early life.

THE WOMAN WHO HEARD HER NAME SPOKEN BY THE RISEN LORD

A LIFE TRANSFORMED

Mary had endured deep spiritual suffering until Jesus freed her by casting out seven demons. His compassion and power transformed her life completely. From that moment, she became His devoted follower, never turning away from Him.

FOLLOWING JESUS

Mary faithfully accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry. She listened to His teaching, witnessed His miracles, and, together with other women, supported His mission. Her discipleship was marked by gratitude, humility, and unwavering love.

FAITHFUL AT THE CROSS

When many fled in fear, Mary remained at Calvary. She stood beneath the Cross, witnessing Christ’s suffering and death. Her steadfast love showed that true discipleship remains faithful even in the darkest moments.

AT THE TOMB

Mary followed Jesus’ body to the tomb and returned before dawn on the first day of the week with spices. Though filled with grief, she continued seeking the Lord with hope and love.

THE RISEN LORD

Finding the tomb empty, Mary wept until Jesus called her by name. Recognizing His voice, she joyfully responded, “Rabbouni!” Her sorrow was instantly transformed into the joy of encountering the risen Lord.

FIRST HERALD OF THE RESURRECTION

Jesus entrusted Mary with the mission of announcing His Resurrection to the Apostles. She became the first witness to proclaim the Easter message with the joyful words, “I have seen the Lord!”

HER ENDURING WITNESS

The Gospels do not describe Mary’s later life, but her witness continues through every proclamation of the Resurrection. Her joyful testimony remains a lasting source of hope for Christians.

LATER TRADITIONS

Ancient traditions suggest that Mary either spent her final years in prayer in southern France or continued proclaiming the Gospel before dying in Ephesus. While cherished, these traditions cannot be historically confirmed.

HER SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE

Mary Magdalene’s life reflects gratitude for God’s mercy, unwavering faithfulness, enduring love, steadfast hope, and a readiness to proclaim Christ. Her encounter with the risen Lord inspired a lifetime of faithful witness.

LESSONS FROM HER LIFE

Mary teaches that no one is beyond Christ’s mercy, faithful love remains firm in suffering, those who sincerely seek Christ will find Him, and every believer who encounters the risen Lord is called to share the Good News.

HER LASTING LEGACY

Saint Mary Magdalene remains one of the greatest witnesses to God’s mercy and the Resurrection. From Galilee to Calvary, from the tomb to the Apostles, she faithfully followed Christ and proclaimed the greatest message in history: Christ is risen. Her life reminds us that Christianity is a living relationship with the risen Lord, who continues to call each disciple by name and send them to share His Gospel with the world.

PRAYER TO SAINT MARY MAGDALENE

Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for us, so that some day
we may share in the same everlasting joy.