Today, we celebrate the Holy Myrrhbearer and Equal to the Apostles, Saint Mary Magdalene. She is shown here in a medieval illuminated manuscript announcing Jesus Christ’s Resurrection to the Apostles and other disciples.
Latin Christianity has long conflated St Mary Magdalene with the fallen woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil, but Eastern Christianity paints a different story. This tradition understands her to be present throughout the gospel accounts, and Luke tells us that the Lord expelled seven devils from her. From the moment of her healing Mary led a new life, and became a true disciple of the Savior.
Tradition tells us that Mary, alongside the other apostles, eventually left Jerusalem to preach the gospel to the Roman world and continued to do so until her death.
Holy Mother Mary, pray to Christ for us!