St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalene was one of the disciples of Jesus. She was probably wealthy and provided financial support for his ministry. She was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and was one of the first witnesses to his resurrection.

She ran to the apostles with the words “I have seen the Lord!”, but according to gospel accounts, they did not believe her at first. She is sometimes called “The apostle of the apostles” because she was the first to tell them of his resurrection.

Although she is often identified as the sinful woman who anoints Jesus feet and washes them with her tears and dries them with her hair, this association came later, in the Middle Ages. The belief that she was a prostitute is probably not accurate. Read more about Who Framed Mary Magdalene.

Her feast day is July 22.

Patron Saint of …

She is the patron saint of converts, glove makers, perfumeries, hairdressers, pharmacists, and contemplative life. She is also the patroness of people who are made fun of for their piety.

Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

• First Reading – Song of Songs 3:1-4b: “I will rise then and go about the city; in the streets and crossings I will seek Him whom my heart loves.”
• Alternate First Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:14-17: “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”
• Gospel – John 20:1-2, 11-18: “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, I have seen the Lord, and then reported what he told her.”