- Vocation
- Disciple and witness to the Resurrection
- Period
- 1st century
- Celebration
- July 22
Life and historical references
Mary Magdalene is among the women who accompanied Jesus. The Gospel accounts place her near the Passion and the tomb. John 20 recounts her encounter with the Risen Christ and her mission to announce this news to the disciples. Her role as a witness lies at the heart of her liturgical commemoration. The traditional title apostle of the apostles expresses this proclamation role.
Recognizing her representations
The perfume jar refers to anointing traditions that have been associated with her figure. The book, long hair and garden scenes belong to different moments in the history of her iconography.
What must be distinguished
The Gospels do not state that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. The unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7 and Mary of Bethany are figures that part of the Western tradition merged with her. This identification should not be repeated as a biblical fact.
Understanding her spiritual legacy
John 20 makes it possible to follow the passage from mourning to encounter and proclamation. Her place in this account underscores the importance of the testimony of women in the origins of Christianity.
Feast, memorial and intercession
The date indicated refers to the Roman rite or to the specified local practice. The actual celebration may vary according to the calendar for the year. In the Catholic faith, asking a saint's intercession means asking them to pray to God; it does not mean attributing independent power to them. An image or devotional object may accompany this practice without being necessary for prayer.
Sources & references
Catholic-based editorial notice. Stories and traditions are distinguished from documented facts. References consulted in October 2026.
