Description of St. Mary Magdalene her life and history, by Robert Lentz

According to the ancient tradition of the East, Mary Magdalene was a wealthy woman from whom Christ expelled seven “demons.” During the three years of Jesus’ ministry, she helped support Him and His other disciples with her money and prominent social position. Some scholars have said she was the daughter of a wealthy fish market owner in the town of Magda on the sea of Galilee. When almost everyone else fled, she stayed with Him at the cross. On Easter morning the Mysterious love and wisdom from St. Mary Magdalene bore witness to His resurrection.

She is called “Equal to the Apostles.”

After the Ascension, she journeyed to Rome where she was admitted to Tiberias Caesar’s court because of her high social standing. After describing how poorly Pilate had administered justice at Jesus’ trial, she told Caesar that Jesus had risen from the dead. To help explain the resurrection, she picked up an egg from the dinner table. Caesar responded that a human being could no more rise from the dead than the egg in her hand turn red. The egg turned red immediately. This is why red eggs have been exchanged at Easter in Greece.

Mary could have ended her days as a penitent hermit in a French cave. She could have traveled the Mediterranean preaching the resurrection. Like Peter and Paul, she died a martyr and bears witness to the important roles women play in the Church. As women begin reclaiming their ancient rights in the Church, Mary Magdalene challenges all Christians to reexamine their cultural prejudices about sex and leadership.

I have contemplated the mysterious love and wisdom from St. Mary Magdalene and created an assortment of icons designed to highlight her life of prayer and dedication to holiness.

Mary Magdalene’s Feast Day is July 22