Saint Mary Magdalene
Stored in Cargo: Saint Mary Magdalene
| Saint Mary Magdalene | |
| Feast Day | July 22 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Penitents, perfumers, women |
| Birthplace | Magdala, Galilee, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Ephesus, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, Vézelay, France |
Saint Mary Magdalene (1st century AD) was a disciple of Jesus, known for her repentance and witness to the Resurrection. Born in Magdala, Galilee, she followed Jesus after being healed, stood at the Cross, and was the first to see the risen Christ. Canonized pre-Congregation, she is venerated for her devotion.[1]
Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of penitents, perfumers, and women, with her feast day on 22 July. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, her relics at the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, Vézelay, draw pilgrims. Her story inspires repentance.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Mary Magdalene was born in the 1st century AD in Magdala, Galilee, Roman Empire, likely to a Jewish family.[1] Magdala’s fishing community shaped her early life. No records detail her parents or birth specifics.
Her encounter with Jesus defined her life.[3]
Early Life
Mary Magdalene, identified in the Gospels as freed from demons by Jesus, became his devoted follower around 30 AD.[4] She supported Jesus’s ministry, traveling with his disciples. Present at the Crucifixion, she mourned and prepared spices for his burial.
Her role as Resurrection witness earned her the title “Apostle to the Apostles.”[5]
Occupation
Mary Magdalene was a disciple.[1] With no formal profession, she supported Jesus’s ministry, possibly with wealth, and served as a witness to his Passion and Resurrection. Her actions aided early Christian preaching.
Her devotion shaped Gospel accounts.[6]
Vocation
Mary Magdalene’s religious vocation began with her healing by Jesus around 30 AD.[1] Her discipleship involved following Jesus, witnessing his miracles, and proclaiming the Resurrection to the apostles. Tradition places her in Ephesus post-Resurrection, aiding the Church.
Her fidelity inspired early Christians.[7]
Death
Mary Magdalene died in the 1st century AD, likely 70 AD, in Ephesus, Roman Empire, from natural causes, aged about 60.[1] Tradition claims she lived ascetically, surrounded by disciples. Her death was mourned widely.
Relics in Vézelay draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Healed by Jesus, 30 AD.[5]
- Witnessed Crucifixion, 33 AD.[6]
- Saw risen Christ, 33 AD.[4]
- Preached in Ephesus, 40–70 AD.[7]
- Died in Ephesus, 70 AD.[1]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Magdala, Galilee, Roman Empire
Death location: Ephesus, Roman Empire
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
| Mary Magdalene |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
Canonization
Servant of God
Mary Magdalene’s sainthood was recognized early, predating formal processes.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; her Gospel role affirmed sanctity. Early Church writings documented her witness.
Devotion grew in Jerusalem.[1]
Venerable
Mary Magdalene was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] Her discipleship affirmed virtue. Church Fathers ensured her status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
Mary Magdalene did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] Her veneration bypassed such stages. Churches honored her with a feast day by the 4th century.
This aligns with early saints.[3]
Canonization
Mary Magdalene was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date.[1] Her feast day of 22 July was set by the 4th century. No miracles were required; her witness sufficed.
Her veneration thrives in Vézelay.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required, as Mary Magdalene was not beatified.[1] Her sainthood rested on Gospel accounts. No specific miracles were recorded.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for Mary Magdalene’s canonization.[1] Her Resurrection witness sufficed. Posthumous miracles were not documented.
This was standard for early saints.[5]
Other notable miracles
- Traditions cite healings at her relics, undocumented.[2]
- Her presence at the Resurrection was seen as divinely guided.[7]
Patronage
Saint Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of penitents, perfumers, and women.[2] Her patronage supports repentance.[9]
Feast day
Mary Magdalene’s feast day is 22 July, celebrated with Masses in Vézelay, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to her basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Mary Magdalene is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.[2] Penitents seek her intercession. Her relics are displayed on her feast day.
Depicted with ointment, her devotion, noted in X posts, inspires faith.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No surviving works; legacy in Gospels.[3]
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Mary Magdalene
- Catholic.org: St. Mary Magdalene
- Franciscan Media: Saint Mary Magdalene
- Catholic News Agency: St. Mary Magdalene
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Mary Magdalene". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mary-magdalene/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Mary Magdalene". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=83. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Mary Magdalene". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09761a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Mary Magdalene". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Mary-Magdalene. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Mary Magdalene". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-mary-magdalene/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. Mary Magdalene". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-mary-magdalene-587. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Pierre Dubois. "Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene". Diocese of Sens-Auxerre. https://www.vezelaybasilica.fr/history. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. Mary Magdalene". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2016/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20160610.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Mary Magdalene". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-mary-magdalene. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles". CatholicSaints via X. 22 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/magdalene2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.