St. Mary Magdalene
Galilean disciple from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Lk 8:2); witness of the Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection, the first witness of the risen Christ commissioned to announce him to the apostles ("Apostle to the apostles," Jn 20:11-18). Identification with the unnamed sinful woman of Lk 7 was Western from Gregory the Great's homily of 591 but is now generally dropped. Feast raised to liturgical memorial 2016 by Francis.
Life & Times
Born: 1st century · Died: 1st century · From: Magdala / Galilee / Judea.
Patronage
St. Mary Magdalene is invoked as the patron of penitents, traditional, contemplatives, perfumers, witnesses. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I have seen the Lord!”— Gospel of John 20:18 — the first proclamation of the Resurrection
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Devotional items honoring St. Mary Magdalene, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Mary Magdalene, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.