St. Mary Magdalene is one of the most inspiring women in the Bible. Her life shows us how God’s love can transform a person completely. She teaches us about faith, courage, and deep devotion to Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene came from a town called Magdala, near the Sea of Galilee. The Bible tells us that Jesus healed her by casting out seven demons (Luke 8:2). After that, she followed Him faithfully, along with a few other women who helped in His ministry. Her healing was not just physical, but spiritual. Jesus gave her a new life, and in return, she gave Him her heart.
Mary’s devotion was strong and unwavering. She stayed with Jesus even when things became difficult. While many of His followers ran away during His crucifixion, Mary stood near the Cross with His mother, Mary. She did not run from pain or fear, she stayed close to her Lord in His suffering. This shows how deeply she loved Jesus, not just when everything was good, but also in moments of sorrow and pain.
But the most beautiful moment in her story comes after Jesus’ death. Early on the first Easter morning, Mary went to the tomb to anoint His body. Instead, she found the tomb empty. She wept, thinking someone had taken His body. But then, Jesus appeared to her. At first, she did not recognize Him. But when He called her by name “Mary”, she knew it was her Lord. This touching moment shows how personally Jesus knows and loves each of us.
Jesus gave her a special mission: “Go and tell my brothers…” (John 20:17). She became the first witness of the Resurrection. That is why the Church calls her the “Apostle to the Apostles”, because she was the first to bring the Good News to others. What is clear from the Bible is that Mary was a faithful disciple who loved Jesus deeply and followed Him closely.
Pope Francis honored her role in 2016 by raising her feast day, July 22, to the level of a liturgical feast, just like the apostles. This shows how important she is to our faith. Mary Magdalene’s story is one of transformation, love, and loyalty. She reminds us that no one is too lost to be found by God. Her life encourages us to stay close to Jesus, even in times of sorrow, and to share the joy of His resurrection with others. As we reflect on her life, may we learn to listen to Jesus’ voice calling us by name, just as Mary did. May we follow Him with the same courage, and may we, too, become messengers of hope in the world.
St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us.
– Ashodi Ferro