- 22 July, 2026
Jerusalem, July 22, 2026: Why is Saint Mary Magdalene one of the most beloved women in the Gospel? Discover the inspiring story of the faithful disciple who followed Jesus throughout His ministry, stood at the foot of the Cross when many others fled, and became the first person to witness Christ's Resurrection—earning the title "Apostle to the Apostles."
Feast Day: 22 July
Born: 1st century AD, Magdala, Galilee (present-day Israel)
Died: Traditionally believed to have died in the 1st century AD
Canonized: Honored as a saint by the early Church (pre-congregation canonization)
Patron of: Converts, penitents, women, hairdressers, perfumers, and those seeking spiritual renewal
Known For: Faithful disciple of Jesus, witness to the Crucifixion and Resurrection, first messenger of the Risen Christ
Title: Apostle to the Apostles
Among all the followers of Jesus, few hold a place as honored as Saint Mary Magdalene.
She was a devoted disciple whose life was transformed by Christ's mercy. She remained faithful during His Passion, witnessed His burial, and became the first person to encounter the Risen Lord on Easter morning.
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Because Jesus entrusted her with announcing His Resurrection to the apostles, the Church has long honored her as the "Apostle to the Apostles."
Her story is one of redemption, unwavering faith, and the life-changing power of encountering Jesus Christ.
The Gospels first introduce Mary Magdalene as a woman from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
According to Luke 8:2, Jesus cast seven demons out of her, freeing her from profound spiritual suffering.
Following this life-changing encounter, Mary devoted herself completely to Christ.
She became one of the women who accompanied Jesus during His public ministry, helping support Him and His disciples through their own resources.
Her discipleship was rooted not in obligation but in deep gratitude for the mercy she had received.
While many disciples fled during Jesus' Passion, Mary Magdalene remained faithful.
She stood near the Cross alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary and other holy women as Jesus offered His life for the salvation of the world.
She witnessed His suffering, death, and burial, refusing to abandon her Lord even in His darkest hour.
Her steadfast presence revealed a courageous faith that remained firm despite grief and uncertainty.
Early on Easter morning, Mary Magdalene went to Jesus' tomb to anoint His body.
Instead, she found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.
Overcome with sorrow, she remained near the garden until Jesus Himself appeared to her.
At first, she mistook Him for the gardener.
But when Jesus gently spoke her name—"Mary"—she immediately recognized her Master.
In one of the most beautiful moments in Scripture, the Risen Christ entrusted her with an extraordinary mission: "Go to my brothers and tell them..." (John 20:17)
Mary hurried to the apostles with the joyful proclamation: "I have seen the Lord!" (John 20:18)
For this reason, the Church has given her the honored title "Apostle to the Apostles," recognizing her as the first herald of Christ's Resurrection.
For many centuries, Mary Magdalene was commonly identified in Western tradition with the unnamed sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet in Luke 7.
However, the Gospels do not explicitly identify these women as the same person.
Today, the Catholic Church distinguishes Mary Magdalene from the unnamed sinful woman and from Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.
What Scripture clearly reveals is that Mary Magdalene was a faithful disciple whose life was transformed by Christ's mercy and who became the first witness of His Resurrection.
Throughout Christian history, devotion to Saint Mary Magdalene has flourished in both the Eastern and Western Churches.
Artists have portrayed her at the empty tomb, saints have praised her faithful discipleship, and countless churches have been dedicated in her honor.
Recognizing her unique role in salvation history, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical memorial to a Feast in 2016, placing her celebration on a level similar to those of the apostles' feasts within the Church's calendar.
This recognition highlights her extraordinary witness to the central mystery of the Christian faith—the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Saint Mary Magdalene reminds Christians that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy.
Her life demonstrates that an encounter with Christ transforms hearts, restores hope, and gives believers a new mission.
She teaches that authentic discipleship means remaining faithful not only during moments of joy but also through suffering, uncertainty, and loss.
Her courage at Calvary and her joy at the empty tomb continue to inspire Christians to remain steadfast in faith.
The life of Saint Mary Magdalene offers timeless lessons for every believer:
Her example reminds believers that God's grace can transform every life and turn ordinary disciples into joyful messengers of hope.
Nearly two thousand years after that first Easter morning, Saint Mary Magdalene continues to inspire Christians throughout the world.
She was a woman healed by Christ, a faithful disciple who never abandoned Him, and the first witness chosen to proclaim the greatest news in history—that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead.
From the empty tomb in Jerusalem to churches across the globe, her life proclaims a timeless truth: The Risen Christ calls each believer by name and sends them into the world to proclaim the hope of the Gospel.
Saint Mary Magdalene reminds us that every encounter with Christ is an invitation to deeper faith, lasting transformation, and joyful witness.
To know about more saints please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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