St. Mary Magdalene: one of the first to see the risen Jesus

The feast of St Mary Magdalene is celebrated every year on 22 July. St. Mary Magdalene is a woman who followed Jesus and was one of the first to see the Risen One, St. Mary Magdalene is considered a model of repentance and devotion to Jesus. She is often invoked for the needs of sinners and for spiritual guidance.

Who is St Mary Magdalene?

Her story

St Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus Christ mentioned in the Gospels of the Bible. She is often associated with the sinful woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears and hair. After Jesus' resurrection, she became one of the first to announce the good news of the resurrection to her fellow disciples. St Mary Magdalene is considered a symbol of redemption and conversion for sinners and is often honoured as the "apostle of the apostles".

Her significance

St Mary Magdalene is considered one of the most important women in the life of Jesus in the Christian tradition. She is often associated with penitence and redemption, as she is said to have been a repentant sinner and was chosen by Jesus to announce the resurrection to the apostles. In addition, Mary Magdalene is traditionally seen as a model of conversion and fidelity.

Celebration of the Feast of St Mary Magdalene

Religious rituals

There may be different religious rituals celebrated around the feast of St Mary Magdalene in different cultures and religions, but these may include solemn masses, processions, the reading of prayers and texts dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the distribution of medals and other objects dedicated to the saint, and community celebrations. Some may also mark the occasion by making pilgrimages to places associated with the life of Mary Magdalene or by participating in volunteer or prayer activities in her name.

Prayer to Mary Magdalene

Lord Jesus, we pray to you for St Mary Magdalene, who witnessed your resurrection and brought the good news to your disciples.

We pray that she may intercede for us, that we may be filled with your grace and mercy, and be transformed by your power.

We pray that, like Mary Magdalene, we may be witnesses to your resurrection, that we may proclaim your good news to all nations, that we may be bearers of your light in this world.

O Lord, we pray that our love for you may be as ardent as that of Mary Magdalene, that we may be filled with your peace, your joy and your Holy Spirit.

We pray in your name, O Jesus, that St Mary Magdalene may be our guide and protector, that we may be faithful followers of your word.

Amen.