St. Mary Magdalene

  Posted on July 22, 2019  by admin  No comments

Venerated: in Latin Christianity, Oriental Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism, other Protestant churches, Bahá’í Faith

Canonized: Pre-Congregation

Feast: July 22

Patronage: Apothecaries Arahal, Spain Atrani, Italy Casamicciola Terme, Ischia contemplative life converts glove makers hairdressers Kawit, Cavite Amadeo, Cavite Magdalena, Laguna Order of Preachers perfumeries people ridiculed for their piety pharmacists Pililla, Rizal penitent sinners tanners sexual temptation women.

St. Mary Magdalene is one of the greatest saints of the Bible and a legendary example of God’s mercy and grace. The precise dates of her birth and death are unknown, but we do know she was present with Christ during his public ministry, death and resurrection. She is mentioned at least a dozen times in the Gospels.

Mary Magdalene has long been regarded as a prostitute or sexually immoral in western Christianity, but this is not supported in the scriptures. It is believed she was a Jewish woman who lived among Gentiles, living as they did.

The Gospels agree that Mary was originally a great sinner. Jesus cast seven demons out of her when he met her. After this, she told several women she associated with and these women also became followers.

There is also debate over if Mary Magdalene is the same unnamed women, a sinner, who weeps and washes Jesus’ feet with her hair in the Gospel of John. Scholars are skeptical this is the same person.

Despite the scholarly dispute over her background, what she did in her subsequent life, after meeting Jesus, is much more significant. She was certainly a sinner whom Jesus saved, giving us an example of how no person is beyond the saving grace of God.

During Jesus’ ministry, it is believed that Mary Magdalene followed him, part of a semi-permanent entourage who served Jesus and his Disciples.
Mary likely watched the crucifixion from a distance along with the other women who followed Christ during His ministry. Mary was present when Christ rose from the dead, visiting his tomb to anoint his body only to find the stone rolled away and Christ, very much alive, sitting at the place they laid Him. She was the first witness to His resurrection.

After the death of Christ, a legend states that she remained among the early Christians. After fourteen years, she was allegedly put into a boat by Jews, along with several other saints of the early Church, and set adrift without sails or oars. The boat landed in southern France, where she spent the remaining years of her life living in solitude, in a cave.

St. Mary Magdalene’s feast day is July 22. She is the patroness of converts, repentant sinners, sexual temptation, pharmacists, tanners and women, and many other places and causes.

Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene, Woman of many sins, who by conversion became the beloved of Jesus, thank you for your witness that Jesus forgives through the miracle of love.

You, who already possess eternal happiness in His glorious presence, please intercede for me, so that some day I may share in the same everlasting joy.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene

O Glorious St. Magdalene,

Mold of penitents, obtain for me the grace of perseverance in the practices of self-denial according to the spirit of my vows:

Pray to God for me that I may appear before Jesus, Our Lord and Master, at the moment of my death, with my lamp filled with the oil of faith and hope, and burning with the pure flame of charity, and thus merit to be received with thee into His eternal kingdom. Amen.

Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene

Saint Mary Magdalene, You heard from the loving lips of Jesus that your many sins were forgiven because you loved much. Pour out your love at His sacred feet on our behalf. Your tears of repentance and of love won for you the pardon of your sins and the vision of your Risen Jesus on Easter morning. Surely, dear Saint, He who refused nothing to your love on earth, will graciously replenish us with those blessings for which we implore your prayers. Amen.

Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene

Praise be to Thee, O Christ, Creator, Redeemer, and Saviour, Of heaven and earth and seas, of angels and of men, Whom we confess to be both God and Man, Who didst come in order to save sinners, Thyself without sin, taking the appearance of sin.

Among this poor flock, Thou didst visit the Chanaanite woman and Mary Magdalen. From the same table Thou didst nourish the one with the crumbs of the Divine Word, the other with Thy inebriating cup.

While Thou art seated at the typical feast in the house of Simon the Leper, the Pharisee murmurs, while the woman weeps, conscious of her guilt. The sinner despises his fellow-sinner, Thou, sinless one hearest the prayer of the penitent, cleanses” her from stains, lovest her so as to make her beautiful. She embraces the feet of her Lord, washes them with her tears, dries them with her hair: Washing and wiping them, she anoints them with sweet ointment, and covers them with kisses.

Such, O Wisdom of the Father, is the banquet that delights Thee! Though born of a Virgin, Thou cost not disdain to be touched by a sinful woman. The Pharisee invited Thee but it is Mary that gives Thee a feast.

Thou forgives much to her that loves much, and that falls not again into sin. From seven devils cost Thou free her by Thy seven-fold Spirit. To her, when Thou rises from the dead, Thou showest Thyself first of all. By her, O Christ. Thou cost designate the Gentile Church, the stranger whom Thou callest to the children’s table; Who, at the feast of the Law and at the feast of grace, is despised by the pride of Pharisees, and harassed by leprous heresy.

Thou knowest what manner of woman she is, it is because she is a sinner that she touches Thee, and because she longs for pardon. What could she have, poor sick one, without receiving it, and without the physician assisting her? O King of kings, rich unto all, save us, wash away all the stains of our sins, O Thou the hope and glory of the saints.

Congratulate me, all ye that love the Lord; for He whom I sought appeared to me: and while I wept at the tomb I saw my Lord, alleluia.
v. When the disciples withdrew, I did not withdraw, and being kindled with the fire of His love, I burned with desire. And while.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be helped by the intercession of blessed Mary Magdalen, entreated by whose prayers Thou didst raise up again to life her brother Lazarus, who had been dead four days. Thou Who livest and reigns forever. Amen.

St. Anselm’s prayer to St. Mary Magdalene

St Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed; through him your sins were forgiven; by him your bitter sorrow was consoled.

My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health. It is enough for us to understand, dear friend of God, to whom were “many sins forgiven, because she loved much”.

Most blessed lady, I who am the most evil and sinful of men do not recall your sins as a reproach, but call upon the boundless mercy by which they were blotted out. This is my reassurance, so that I do not despair;this is my longing, so that I shall not perish.I say this of myself, miserably cast down into the depths of vice, bowed down with the weight of crimes, thrust down by my own hand into a dark prison of sins, wrapped round with the shadows of darkness.

Therefore, since you are now with the chosen because you are beloved and are beloved because you are chosen of God, I, in my misery, pray to you, in bliss; in my darkness, I ask for light;in my sins, redemption; impure, I ask for purity.

Recall in loving kindness what you used to be, how much you needed mercy,and seek for me that same forgiving love that you received when you were wanting it. Ask urgently that I may have the love that pierces the heart; tears that are humble; desire for the homeland of heaven; impatience with this earthly exile; searing repentance; and a dread of torments in eternity.

Turn to my good that ready access that you once had and still have to the spring of mercy. Draw me to him where I may wash away my sins; bring me to him who can slake my thirst;pour over me those waters that will make my dry places fresh.

You will not find it hard to gain all you desire from so loving and so kind a Lord,who is alive and reigns and is your friend. For who can tell, beloved and blest of God, with what kind familiarity and familiar kindness he himself replied on your behalf to the calumnies of those who were against you? How he defended you, when the proud Pharisee was indignant, how he excused you,when your sister complained, how highly he praised your deed, when Judas begrudged it.

And, more than all this, what can I say, how can I find words to tell,about the burning love with which you sought him,weeping at the sepulchre, and wept for him in your seeking? How he came, who can say how or with what kindness, to comfort you, and made you burn with love still more; how he hid from you when you wanted to see him, and showed himself when you did not think to see him; how he was there all the time you sought him, and how he sought you when, seeking him, you wept.

But you, most holy Lord, why do you ask her why she weeps? Surely you can see; her heart, the dear life of her soul, is cruelly slain. O love to be wondered at; O evil to be shuddered at;you hung on the wood, pierced by iron nails, stretched out like a thief for the mockery of wicked men; and yet, ‘Woman,’ you say, ‘why are you weeping?’ She had not been able to prevent them from killing you,but at least she longed to keep your body for a while with ointments lest it decay.

No longer able to speak with you living, at least she could mourn for you dead. So, near to death and hating her own life,she repeats in broken tones the words of life which she had heard from the living. And now, besides all this, even the body which she was glad, in a way, to have kept, she believes to have gone. And can you ask her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ Had she not reason to weep? For she had seen with her own eyes if she could bear to look what cruel men cruelly did to you; and now all that was left of you from their hands she thinks she has lost. All hope of you has fled,f or now she has not even your lifeless body to remind her of you. And someone asks, ‘Who are you looking for? Why are you weeping?’ You, her sole joy, should be the last thus to increase her sorrow.

But you know it all well, and thus you wish it to be,for only in such broken words and sighs can she convey a cause of grief as great as hers. The love you have inspired you do not ignore, And indeed you know her well,the gardener, who planted her soul in his garden. What you plant, I think you also water. Do you water, I wonder, or do you test her? In fact, you are both watering and putting to the test.

But now, good Lord, gentle Master, look upon your faithful servant and disciple, so lately redeemed by your blood,and see how she burns with anxiety, desiring you, searching all round, questioning, and what she longs for is nowhere found. Nothing she sees can satisfy her, since you whom alone she would behold, she sees not. What then? How long will my Lord leave his beloved to suffer thus? Have you put off compassion now you have put on incorruption? Did you let go of goodness when you laid hold of immortality? Let it not be so, Lord. You will not despise us mortals now you have made yourself immortal, for you made yourself a mortal in order to give us immortality.

And so it is; for love’s sake he cannot bear her grief for long or go on hiding himself. For the sweetness of love he shows himself who would not for the bitterness of tears. The Lord calls his servant by the name she has often heard and the servant knows the voice of her own Lord. I think, or rather I am sure, that she responded to the gentle tone with which he was accustomed to call, ‘Mary’. What joy filled that voice, so gentle and full of love. He could not have put it more simply and clearly: ‘I know who you are and what you want;behold me; do not weep, behold me; I am he whom you seek.’ At once the tears are changed; I do not believe that they stopped at once,but where once they were wrung from a heart broken and self-tormenting they flow now from a heart exulting.

How different is, ‘Master!’from ‘If you have taken him away, tell me’;and, ‘They have taken away my Lord,and I do not know where they have laid him,’has a very different sound from,‘I have seen the Lord, and he has spoken to me.’

But how should I, in misery and without love,dare to describe the love of God and the blessed friend of God? Such a flavour of goodness will make my heart sick if it has in itself nothing of that same virtue. But in truth, you who are very truth, you know me well and can testify that I write this for the love of your love, my Lord, my most dear Jesus. I want your love to burn in me as you command so that I may desire to love you alone and sacrifice to you a troubled spirit, ‘a broken and a contrite heart’.

Give me, O Lord, in this exile,the bread of tears and sorrow for which I hunger more than for any choice delights.Hear me, for your love,and for the dear merits of your beloved Mary,and your blessed Mother, the greater Mary.Redeemer, my good Jesus,do not despise the prayers of one who has sinned against you but strengthen the efforts of a weakling that loves you.Shake my heart out of its indolence, Lord,and in the adore of your love bring me to the everlasting sight of your glory where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, God, for ever. Amen.

Novena to St. Mary Magdalene

Day 1: The darkest hour just before dawn

Reading
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.”

Wondering
What drew Mary back to the tomb? What went through her mind as she looked into the tomb? What was going through it as she ran back to Simon Peter and the disciple Jesus loved – probably John who recorded this account of the resurrection?

Contemplating
You might like to spend a few minutes reading the Scripture passage and see if any words or phrases seem to be especially significant. How might God be speaking to you? You might like to jot down any thoughts in a spiritual journal.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene. It can be helpful to put yourself in the shoes of a film director working to recapture the atmosphere of the scene. You could even sketch out the scene. What would the scenery be like? Where do the main characters appear from? How are they behaving? Are there any “extras” – and where are they – what are they doing? Then, try to put yourself into one of the characters to see how it might have seemed to them… how might they have been feeling?

Reflecting
Of all outcomes, this was the least expected – how could the empty tomb be explained? This was beyond their experience. How might some of the feelings of those in the Gospel be echoed in your own experience? Pray for those for whom this time is a period of confusion and fear.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalene, woman at the tomb. You did not yet know what awaited you but felt confusion – doubt and loss. Pray for those whose feelings you so well understand. Guide us through your story to the hope of resurrection.
Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be…

Day 2: Going to see for themselves

Reading
Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Wondering
What do the people watching the disciples make of seeing two grown men running through the streets? What might have been going through the disciples’ minds as they ran?

Contemplating
Spend a few minutes reading the Scripture passage and see if any words or phrases seem to be especially significant to you. What might God be saying to you – perhaps, in your own life. If you are using a spiritual journal, add any thoughts or insights.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene. Use the film-director approach if that worked yesterday or allow the scene to build in your imagination. What new insights emerge as you contemplate this part of the story?

Reflecting
Often people will tell us something but we sense the need to go and see for ourselves. Many things go through our minds – all sorts of possibilities – we can get carried away by our imaginations. Pray for those who may be caught up in “fearing the worst”.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, as you ran back to the tomb you knew to be empty, your heart and mind were in turmoil. Pray for those who fear the worst who are troubled by what might be. Guide us through your story to the promise that all shall be well.

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be…

Day 3: Waiting … and acting …
 

Reading
The disciple bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there.

Wondering
Why did the disciple Jesus loved wait even though he had seen the linen wrappings? What might have been going through his mind? What about Peter? What was his reaction to what he saw? What gave him the courage to go into the tomb of one who had been dead for two days

Contemplating
Spend a few minutes reading the Scripture passage and see if any words or phrases seem to be especially significant. Why might the word or phrase be important – in your own life? Make a mental note of any insights or jot down any thoughts in a spiritual journal.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way is helpful – in the shoes of a film director – or sketching the scene. What insights do you get from the action in this part of the story? How are people reacting as it unfolds? 

Reflecting
There is a time for waiting – and a time for finding the courage to act in ways we would not have thought possible. Pray for those for whom this is a time of waiting … and for those for whom it is time to find the courage to do things they do not yet think they can.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, you waited at the foot of the cross but found courage to return to the tomb to anoint your Lord. Pray for those who wait and those finding the courage to act. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection. Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be…

Day 4: Seeing and believing

Reading
Peter saw the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head (was) not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed.

Wondering
Why does John point out the detail about the cloth that had covered Jesus’ face? How does seeing the grave clothes as they are lead him to believe – and what is he believing in at this moment – he has not yet seen the Lord?

Contemplating
Spend a few minutes reading and reflecting on the Scripture passage. What springs to mind as you ponder the words and phrases? How might these ideas feed into your own life? Jot down any thoughts in a spiritual journal. Are any threads beginning to emerge?

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene. How might a film director film the scene? What would they focus on? What kind of atmosphere would they be trying to create? How do the participants in this drama feel at this point?

Reflecting
We cannot always say what leads us to believe… quite often it is a glimpse – a moment when we recognise that there is something beyond what we can see and touch. It is this faith that sustains us through the any changes that happen in our lives. Pray for a strengthening of faith for those who feel on the fringes or marginalised.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, woman of faith, pray for those whose belief is tested who feel that they are not good enough who feel they do not belong. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

Day 5: Faith leading to understanding

Reading
As yet they did not understand the scripture that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

Wondering
What was the mood of the disciples as they turned back to go home? What were their expectations about what might happen next?

Contemplating
A very short piece but continue to read it through a few times, allowing the words to sink deep within you. Are there words or insights from the passage than seem important as we pass the halfway point in our Novena,

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you find most helpful. How do the disciples take their leave of Mary? What is the “feel” of the scene at this point?

Reflecting
Faith often comes before understanding. We believe – but may have to reflect – read – contemplate – experience something differently before we move to understanding. Reflecting and learning how to make our faith yet more alive and active is for some people exciting – for others it is a challenge. Pray for people who are excited – and those who are challenged.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, you did not understand but you believed. Pray for as we seek to understand more fully what God wills for us. Pray for those for whom this is an exciting time and for those for whom it is difficult and challenging. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

Day 6: Staying in the dark places…

Reading
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.

Wondering
What is Mary’s state of mind now? What might her reaction have been to seeing the two angels?

Contemplating
As you ponder the reading, which words or phrases seem to be especially significant to you. What might God be saying to you – perhaps, for your own life and for your community. If you are using a spiritual journal, add any thoughts or insights – and perhaps look back to see if there are any links that are beginning to form.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene using whatever technique has helped you over recent days. Try to put yourself in Mary’s shoes as the scene begins to move to its fulfillment.

Reflecting
Mary is struggling to come to terms with what is happening… but still she stays in the place where things don’t yet make sense. This is a feeling we can identify with … sometimes we do need to walk away from something but on other occasions we realise we have to stay in a spiritual place until God deems it the right time to offer us the revelation that allows us to move on.
Pray for those who find themselves “stuck” – whose faith feels empty and whose prayer seems dry.

Prayer
Mary of Magdala, you still did not know what was to come but your love for the Lord held you by his tomb. Pray for those who are in dark places who feel without hope and for whom the idea of a Pastoral Plan feels burdensome. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

Day 7: Not knowing what is to come…

They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus.

Wondering
Is Mary comforted by the words of the angels – or further confused? She turns and sees Jesus but does not yet recognise him… why not?

Contemplating
We are reaching the climax of the story – but are not there yet… Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts begin to emerge. Make a note of your thoughts – jot them down and, if you are using the Novena in a group, prepare to receive the insights of others.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you. What fears might be within Mary at this point – and what hope against hope?

Reflecting
We who know the story know what’s coming and have a feeling of anticipation – but Mary does not. We ourselves sometimes wonder: what will be asked of me? Will I like what I see and hear? Pray for a willingness to wait to see what God is to reveal…

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, still sorrowful, even you could not at first recognise your Lord. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

Day 8: The moment of recognition…

Reading
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away.”Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabbouni!” (which means “Teacher).

Wondering
How did Jesus approach Mary? At what point did Mary recognise her Lord?

Contemplating
One of our longest pieces in the account of Mary on that first Easter morning… Read it through several times and allow any significant words or phrases to sink into your soul. Why are they important to you? Make a note of them and prepare to use them to feed into your mind and spirit.

or…

Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you find most helpful.  If as a film director – enjoy the scene unfolding… if in imagination – simply enjoy!

Reflecting
Many people have moments of recognising something that holds promise and builds on the many good things that have been happening. Pray for them for the moment of grace which may affect the rest of their lives.

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, your moment of recognition echoes down the centuries as we learn to recognise our Lord in Word and Communion. Pray for those experiencing such a moment of recognising something founded on the rich legacy of faith and love of countless millions of believers around the world. Pray too for those who contributed to its development. Guide us all through your story to the hope of resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…

Day 9: Go and tell…

Reading
Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me because I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go and tell my disciples and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Wondering
It seems a little of the story has been missed out… what might Mary’s reaction have been that caused Jesus to tell her not to cling to him? What about when she is sent to the disciples? And what of their reaction?

Contemplating
Read the passage a few times and see what ideas or thoughts emerge. Look back over your journal or take a mental trip back over the last nine days. Read the whole story reminding yourself of the thoughts that accompanied it. Spend a few minutes building the scene in whatever way you have found has worked for you.  Allow the scene to play out in your mind. How do the feelings change?

Reflecting
We are people, like Mary, with a mission – to tell people what we have seen what we have heard – what we believe. Pray that we may live faithfully the command to go and tell…

Prayer
Mary of Magdalena, woman of the resurrection. Pray for us as we too go and tell what we know that Jesus is alive and at work through us. Guide us all through your story teach us to live always in the light of the resurrection.

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be…