Pope Francis has elevated the celebration of Saint Mary Magdalene to that of a “feast.” Most saints are remembered in a memorial. Major saints, like the apostles are given the status of a feast. Since Mary Magdalene is considered the “apostle to the apostles” — the one who first announced the good news of the resurrection — the Holy Father wanted to recognize her dignity. Through the centuries Mary Magdalene has been given many attributes that have nothing to do with her identity we can discover in the Bible. What she stands for is the personal relationship that we are all called to have with Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Mary!” Like Mary we are called by name at our baptism — Jesus names us and claims us.
JULY222022
By Church Staff
