Date: July 22
Liturgical Rank: Feast
Saint Mary Magdalene is honored in the Church as the “Apostle to the Apostles,” the first witness to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Her life is a powerful testimony of conversion, faithful discipleship, and courageous proclamation of the Risen Lord.
In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her memorial to a feast, placing her liturgically alongside the apostles to emphasize her important role in salvation history.
Who Was Mary Magdalene?
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A devoted follower of Jesus, out of whom seven demons were cast (Luke 8:2).
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Present at the foot of the Cross when most others fled.
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First to witness the empty tomb and the Resurrected Christ (John 20:11–18).
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Commissioned by Jesus to go and announce the Resurrection to the apostles—making her the first evangelist of Easter joy.
Scriptural Reading (Gospel):
John 20:1–2, 11–18
“Go to my brothers and tell them: ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary’s encounter with the Risen Christ in the garden is deeply moving. At first she doesn’t recognize Him, but when He calls her by name—“Mary!”—her eyes are opened, and her sorrow turns into joy.
Key Themes:
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Conversion: Mary’s healing led her to a new life of devotion and love.
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Discipleship: She followed Jesus closely, not only in His glory but in His suffering.
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Mission: Her role as the first to proclaim the Resurrection shows how Jesus entrusts His message to the humble and faithful.
Reflection:
Mary Magdalene’s life reminds us that no past sin or brokenness can keep us from God’s mercy. Her closeness to Christ was born from a deep awareness of His love and forgiveness. She challenges us to seek Jesus passionately and to recognize His voice calling us by name.
As the first witness to the Resurrection, she also challenges us to proclaim the Good News boldly in our own lives—through word, witness, and love.
Prayer:
Saint Mary Magdalene, you were healed by the Lord’s mercy and chose to follow Him in love and service. You stood with Him in His suffering and rejoiced in His Resurrection. Pray for us, that we may love Christ with the same devotion, seek Him in times of darkness,
and boldly proclaim His victory over death. Amen.