Saint Mary Magdalene

Feast Day: July 22

Patronage: Women; converts; people seeking forgiveness; hairdressers; perfumers
Key Symbol: Alabaster jar; red egg; skull; long hair; cross
Time Period: 1st century AD
Location: Magdala; Galilee; Jerusalem
Title: Disciple of Jesus; Apostle to the Apostles
Known For: Following Jesus; witnessing the Crucifixion; being the first witness of the Resurrection
Key Symbol: Alabaster jar; red egg; long hair
Good For Lessons On: Discipleship; conversion; forgiveness; faithfulness; evangelization; the Resurrection; women in the Church
Scripture: John 20:11-18; Luke 8:1-3
Why This Saint Matters: This saint teaches us to remain faithful to Jesus, trust in his mercy, and share the Good News with others.
Interesting Fact: She was the first person sent by the risen Jesus to announce his Resurrection to the apostles.

Saint Mary Magdalene was a close follower of Jesus. She is mentioned in the Gospels many times. Jesus healed her from seven demons. After that, she became one of His most devoted followers.

Mary Magdalene was present at many key events in Jesus’ life. She stood by Jesus during His crucifixion. She watched as He was buried. On Easter morning, she went to His tomb and found it empty. She was the first person to see the risen Jesus.

Mary Magdalene’s story shows her deep love for Jesus. She is often remembered for her loyalty and faith. Even when things were hard, she stayed close to Jesus. Her story encourages us to stay faithful, too.

Today, Mary Magdalene is honored as a saint. Many people pray to her for help and guidance. Her feast day is July 22nd. She is a model of faith and devotion for all Christians.

• Mass Readings
• Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
• More Resources
• Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
• More Catholic Resources by Date
• Calendar of Saints

Mary Magdalene’s story begins in Magdala. This town is on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Before meeting Jesus, she suffered from seven demons. Jesus healed her, and her life changed completely. She then became a devoted follower of Jesus.

Mary Magdalene traveled with Jesus and His Apostles. She was not alone; other women also followed Jesus. They supported Him financially with their resources. They saw His teachings and miracles. They were faithful followers of Jesus.

Mary Magdalene was present at the Crucifixion. She stayed when many others ran away. Her presence showed the important role of women in early Christianity. Women were key supporters and witnesses of Jesus’ ministry.

Mary Magdalene’s story shows her great faith. She stayed with Jesus through His hardest moments. Her example teaches us about loyalty and love for Jesus. She is a strong model for all Christians.

Mary Magdalene played a key role in the resurrection story. On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, she went to His tomb. She found it empty. In her grief, she saw the risen Jesus. She was the first person to see Him alive again.

This moment is called “Noli me tangere,” which means “Do not cling to me.” Jesus gave her an important job. He asked her to tell the disciples that He was alive. She became known as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”

Mary Magdalene’s faith was strong. She shared the news of Jesus’ resurrection. This is the core of the Christian faith. Her story shows the importance of faith and devotion.

Her encounter with the risen Jesus is inspiring. She teaches us to have strong faith, even in hard times. Her example helps us understand the power of meeting Jesus.

Over the centuries, many have misunderstood Mary Magdalene. Some people wrongly believe she was a sinful woman or a prostitute. But the Bible does not say this. These errors come from mixing her up with other people in the Bible.

The Catholic Church now highlights her true role. Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus. She was not a sinful woman. She is known for her strong faith and loyalty.

Recent studies support this view. Scholars have shown that Mary Magdalene was a key witness to Jesus’ resurrection. This is her true importance in Christian history.

Understanding Mary Magdalene correctly helps us appreciate her example. She is a model of faith for all Christians. Her story teaches us about true discipleship and devotion to Jesus.

Saint Mary Magdalene is connected to the tradition of Easter eggs through a popular legend. According to this story, after Jesus’ resurrection, Mary Magdalene went to the Roman Emperor Tiberius to proclaim the good news. She greeted him with an egg, symbolizing new life, and said, “Christ is risen!”

The emperor doubted her words and said that a person rising from the dead was as unlikely as the egg in her hand turning red. Immediately, the egg turned bright red, confirming her message. This miraculous sign strengthened her testimony about Jesus’ resurrection.

This story links Saint Mary Magdalene to the tradition of Easter eggs, especially the custom of dyeing eggs red to symbolize the resurrection and new life. The red egg reminds us of Christ’s blood shed on the cross and the joy of His resurrection. Saint Mary Magdalene’s role in this legend highlights her as a key witness to the resurrection and a proclaimer of the good news.

This tradition of Easter eggs continues today in many cultures, with people decorating eggs in various colors and patterns to celebrate Easter. The connection to Saint Mary Magdalene and the red egg remains a meaningful part of this celebration, reminding us of the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope it brings to all Christians.

Saint Mary Magdalene’s legacy lives on in the Church. She is remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus. Her story has inspired many Christians throughout history. She shows us how to stay devoted to Jesus.

Her life shows the power of meeting Jesus. Once tormented by demons, she became the “Apostle to the Apostles.” She saw the risen Jesus and shared the Good News with strong faith. Her story inspires Christians to deepen their devotion and spread Jesus’ love.

Mary Magdalene’s example encourages us to live faithful Christian lives. She teaches us to stay close to Jesus and share His message. We can ask for her prayers and follow her example in our own lives. Her story reminds us of the joy and hope found in Jesus’ resurrection.

Her example teaches us about faith and loyalty. Her legacy encourages us to follow Jesus closely. She remains a powerful model for Christians today. Her story continues to inspire faith and devotion.

Mary Magdalene is honored on her feast day, July 22nd. It is a time to remember her role in Jesus’ life and resurrection. She is is venerated as a patron saint of contemplatives and women. Her story is a reminder of her deep faith and love for Jesus.

In the Still Dark, as the Eternal Dawn Begins to Break

Sister Elise Marie Ramirez reflects on Mary Magdalene’s faithful love in times of grief, fear, and uncertainty. Mary stays near Jesus through suffering, death, and loss. Her witness teaches believers not to turn away when the world feels dark. War, division, racism, and human pain can leave people searching for hope, yet God continues to work through tears, listening, and faithful presence.

Mary’s meeting with the risen Christ reveals that every person is loved and called into belonging. God’s mercy joins strangers, neighbors, friends, and families as one human family. Near the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Sister Elise invites believers to carry light into dark places by choosing hope, mercy, and care for others. Like Mary, they are sent to share the good news that love is stronger than fear and that no one stands alone.

I Have Seen the Lord

Where do you look for Jesus when life feels broken or uncertain? Pray As You Go reflects on John 20:1–2, 11–18, where Mary Magdalene stands near the empty tomb in grief and confusion. Her experience invites us to notice the times when Christ seems distant and to remain open to his presence, even when we do not understand what is happening.

Mary recognizes Jesus when he calls her by name. The reflection invites us to imagine how Christ speaks our own name and what his voice may be saying. On the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, we are encouraged to carry hope to someone who feels lost and to ask for the courage to say with faith, “I have seen the Lord.”

See and Hear. Believe. Be Sent.

Grief keeps Mary Magdalene beside the empty tomb, even after the other disciples leave. Diane Amento Owens reflects on Mary’s faithfulness in sorrow and confusion. Mary cannot see Jesus clearly at first, but everything changes when he calls her by name. His voice reaches through her tears and opens her heart to hope.

For the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, Owens invites us to listen for Christ and follow where he leads. Like Mary, we may cling to what feels safe or familiar. Jesus sends us beyond fear to become witnesses of his love. The reflection asks whether our eyes, ears, and hearts are open enough to recognize him and carry his message to others.

Jesus Entrusted the Good News to a Woman

Jesus trusted Mary Magdalene to announce the Resurrection, making her the first witness to share the heart of the Christian message. Her authority came from meeting the risen Christ, hearing him call her by name, and faithfully speaking what she had seen. Her witness shows that God calls and sends people beyond the limits set by culture or custom.

Robyn connects Mary’s story with the voices of women in the Church. Women teach, lead, serve, study, and recognize Christ in places others may overlook, yet their insight is not always taken seriously. Mary Magdalene challenges the Church to listen more closely, especially when women speak from faith, suffering, courage, and service. Honoring her means not only praising her past witness, but also trusting women who continue to say, “I have seen the Lord.”

One Moment Can Change Everything

Saint Mary Magdalene didn’t waste the chance she was given. After meeting Jesus, she left her old life behind and followed him closely. She was there at the cross and became the first to see the risen Christ. She lived like every moment was a new beginning.

Her life shows that no one is too far gone. Every moment gives us the chance to choose a better path. We can turn things around, not by fixing the past, but by doing what’s right in the present. Ask God what to do now—and then do it.

Hope Rises Again

Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb with a broken heart. She believes all hope is gone after Jesus’ death. She finds the stone rolled away and fears His body has been taken. Angels tell her He is alive, but she does not understand until she hears Him call her name. At that moment, she knows her Lord has risen, and her sorrow turns to joy.

Deacon Arthur Miller shares how Jesus trusted Mary Magdalene, a woman once broken, to be the first to share the good news. Deacon Miller reminds us that God also trusts us, even in our weakness. Like Mary, we may feel hopeless, but hope always rises again. Each morning we can look to God and say, “What are we going to do today?” because He can use us, even in our brokenness, to share His love.

Faithful Love

Saint Mary Magdalene’s life is a story of deep faith and unwavering love for Jesus. She followed Him closely after He healed her, leaving behind her old life to dedicate herself to His teachings. Her loyalty is clear in the Gospels. She stayed near Jesus even during His crucifixion, a moment when many others ran away. Her courage reminds us that staying close to Jesus is important, especially in difficult times.

Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Jesus. This moment shows her faith and devotion. Despite her sadness, she went to the tomb, seeking Jesus even when she thought He was gone. Her meeting with the risen Christ reminds us to look for Jesus, especially when we feel lost or unsure. Mary’s faith helps us remember that Jesus is always near, even when we cannot see Him.

Her role as the “Apostle to the Apostles” shows that Jesus values everyone. Mary Magdalene was trusted to share the most important news of all—His resurrection. This reminds us that we all have a part to play in sharing Jesus’ message. No matter who we are, our faith can bring hope to others.

Mary Magdalene’s story also clears up misconceptions. For many years, she was misunderstood, but now we see her as a loyal follower of Jesus. This can teach us to look for truth and avoid judging others unfairly. Her life calls us to be faithful, brave, and loving in our own relationship with Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you stay close to Jesus during difficult times?
2. What can Mary Magdalene’s courage teach you about sharing your faith?
3. Are there ways you can show loyalty and love to Jesus in your daily life?

More Homilies and Reflections for Saint Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalen, Apostle to the Apostles (Order of Preachers: Fr. Clint Honkomp)

Preach Life, Abandon Death (Order of Preachers: Fr. Jean Jacques Pérennès)

Behold My Heart (USCCB: Msgr. James Vlaun)