On 22 July, the Church celebrated the Feast of St Mary of Magdala, one of the most important women in the Gospels.
Mary came from the fishing town of Magdala, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, close to Capernaum where Jesus carried out much of his public ministry. She was one of Jesus' most faithful disciples, supporting his ministry, remaining with him at the foot of the cross, and becoming the first witness to the Resurrection.
For many centuries, Mary Magdalene was mistakenly identified with the unnamed sinful woman in another Gospel account. Today, the Church recognises her true place in salvation history: a courageous disciple whom the risen Jesus entrusted with announcing the Resurrection to the apostles. For this reason, she is often known as the ‘Apostle to the Apostles.’ In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical memorial to a Feast, recognising the significance of her witness and discipleship.
Mary's story reminds us that God calls each of us by name and invites us to be people of hope, courage and faithful witness. Like Mary, we are called to recognise the presence of the risen Christ in our lives and to share the Good News through our words, our actions and our care for others. For the young women of our Mercy community, Mary of Magdala offers a powerful model of discipleship: a woman of courage, fidelity and hope who remained close to Jesus, stood firm in times of uncertainty, and responded generously when called to proclaim the Gospel. Her example reminds us that faithful leadership begins with encountering Christ and then having the courage to share that encounter with the world.
Prayer
Loving God,
As we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of Magdala, we thank you for her faithful witness to the risen Christ.
When Jesus called Mary by name, her sorrow became hope, and she joyfully shared the Good News with others.
Help us to recognise your presence in our own lives, to listen for your voice, and to have the courage to share your love through our words and actions.
May we, like Mary, be faithful disciples who bring hope, mercy and compassion to everyone we meet.
St Mary of Magdala, pray for us.
Amen.
Above image: Three Marys at the Tomb of Christ from the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Niegowić, Poland.
