On July 22, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Mary Magdelene, one of the most prominent women mentioned in the New Testament.

But who was Mary Magdalene?

Saint Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Christ to whom every person can relate. She was a sinner, experienced human weakness, and was persecuted and humiliated. The fact that she brought this sin and shame to Christ is what makes her a great Saint.

The precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, but we do know she was present with Christ during his public ministry, death and resurrection. She is mentioned at least a dozen times in the Gospels.

Her name comes from the town of Magdala in Galilee, where she was born. Scripture introduces her as a woman “who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out” (Luke 8:2).

Some scholars identify Mary Magdalene with the sinful woman who anointed the feet of Christ with oil in the house of Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50). Others associate her with Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42, John 11). Some believe the three figures to be one person, while others believe them to be three distinct individuals.

What the Scriptures make certain about Mary Magdalene is that she was a follower of Christ, who accompanied and ministered to him (Luke 8:2-3). The Gospels record her as being one of the women present at Christ’s crucifixion.

In addition, she was the first recorded witness of the Resurrection. The Gospels all describe Mary Magdalene going to the tomb on Easter morning. When she saw that the tomb was empty, she stood outside, weeping. Jesus appeared to her and asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” (John 20:15)

She did not recognize him, however, and thought he was the gardener, until he said her name, “Mary!” (John 20:16) Upon hearing this, Mary recognized him.  In the face of the possible disbelief from the apostles, she said to them: “I have seen the Lord!” and announced to them the message of the Resurrection.

“The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth,” Pope Benedict XVI said. “A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.”

Saint Thomas Aquinas gave Mary Magdalene the title “Apostle of the Apostles.”

A Prayer

Almighty God,
whose Son restored Mary Magdalene
to health of mind and body
and called her to be a witness to his resurrection:
forgive our sins and heal us by your grace,
that we may serve you in the power of his risen life;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Revd Paul A. Carr from various sources.