July 22 | Saint Mary Magdalene

Born/ Died: c. first century A.D. 

Nationality: Israeli

Attributes: skull, alabaster box of ointment 

Patronage: contemplative life, converts, glove makers, hairstylists, penitent sinners, people ridiculed for their piety, perfumeries and perfumers, pharmacists, and women

Canonization: Pre-Congregation 

Mary was from the Galilean town of Magdala, from which her name is derived. She is first introduced in Scripture as having had seven demons cast out of her (Lk 8:2). Some scholars identify this Mary with the sinful woman who anointed the feet of Christ (Lk 7:36-50) and the sister of Martha and Lazarus (Lk 10:38-42), while others believe they are three distinct individuals. 

Catholic Tradition holds with certainty that Mary Magdalene accompanied Christ throughout his ministry and was one of the women present at the foot of the cross. She was also the first recorded witness of the Resurrection and had a beautiful encounter with Christ after he had risen. Having gone to the tomb on Easter morning and found it empty, Mary wept, because she believed someone had taken the body of Christ. While she was weeping, Christ appeared to her but she was not able to recognize him. When he called her by her name, Mary recognized him and subsequently returned to the disciples to announce that he had risen. For this reason, she is often referred to as the “apostle to the apostles.” 

Her remains are said to be buried at Saint-Maximin in southern France. In 2016, Pope Francis raised her memorial to the level of a liturgical feast day, which is the same as that of the apostles. 

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.