St. Mary Magdalene
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).
John 20:11-16
Feast Day
July 22
At a Glance
Patronage
converts, repentant sinners, perfume makers
Locality
Magdala (modern Israel)
Period
1st Century
Known For
Being a follower of Jesus and “apostle to the apostles,” the first witness of Christ's resurrection
Her Story
A Faithful Disciple of Christ
St. Mary Magdalene stands among the most honored women in the Gospels and is mentioned by name more frequently than many apostles. She was a devoted follower of Jesus during His public ministry, having been healed by Him when seven demons were cast out, a phrase widely understood by scholars to indicate severe illness or affliction, not moral failing. From that moment, her life became a witness to Christ’s mercy and transforming grace.
A Woman of Courage and Devotion
Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus and the Twelve, supporting their mission out of her own means, suggesting she possessed both independence and resources. She remained steadfast when others fled, standing near the Cross alongside the Virgin Mary. All four Gospels affirm her presence at the Crucifixion, burial, and empty tomb, underscoring her reliability as a witness during the most pivotal moments of salvation history.
First Witness of the Resurrection
On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body and discovered it empty. In a moment of profound intimacy, the risen Christ appeared first to her, entrusting her with the mission to announce the Resurrection to the Apostles. For this reason, the Church has long honored her as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” a title reaffirmed by Pope Francis.
Clearing the Misconceptions
Although later Western tradition mistakenly identified Mary Magdalene as a repentant prostitute or confused her with Mary of Bethany, modern biblical scholarship and Church teaching firmly distinguish these figures. Scripture offers no evidence of sexual immorality, and Pope Paul VI formally corrected this association.
St. Mary Magdalene’s legacy endures as a powerful testimony to fidelity, courage, and the boundless mercy of Christ.