On 22nd July, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the most prominent women mentioned in the New Testament.

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" (Lk. 8:2)

What the Scriptures make certain about Mary Magdalene is that she was a follower of Christ, who accompanied and ministered to him (Lk 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 "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" (Jn 20 : 15)

She did not recognize him, however, and thought he was the gardener, until he said her name, "Mary!" (Jn 20 : 16). Upon hearing this, Mary recognized him. She returned to grieving disciples to announce to them the message of the Resurrection.

Pope Benedict XVI spoke about Mary Magdalene in his address before the Angelus on July 23, 2006. He referred to her as a "disciple of the Lord who plays a lead role in the Gospels".

The Pope recalled Mary Magdalene's presence "beneath the cross" on Good Friday, as well as how "she was to be the one to discover the empty tomb" on Easter morning.

"The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth", Pope Benedict said. "A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weekness, 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 that sin and death".

On June 10, 2016, the liturgical celebration honoring St. Mary Magdalene was raised from a memorial to a feast, putting her on par with the apostles.

Other Saints of the day

St. Alberic Crescitelli

St. Dabius

St. Joseph of Palastine

St. Menelus

St. Movean