22nd Jul - ST MARY MAGDALENE

 She is one of the greatest saints of the Bible and an example of God's mercy and grace. She was present with Christ during his public ministry, death and resurrection. 

    She was certainly a sinner whom Jesus saved, giving us an example of how no person is beyond the saving grace of God. Mary likely watched the crucifixion from a distance along with 

    the other women who followed Christ during His ministry. Mary was present when Christ rose from the dead, visiting his tomb to anoint his body only to find the stone rolled away and 

    Christ, very much alive, sitting at the place they laid Him. She was the first witness to His resurrection. After fourteen years, she was allegedly put into a boat by Jews, 

    along with several other saints of the early Church, and set adrift without sails or oars. The boat landed in southern France, 

    where she spent the remaining years of her life living in solitude. She is the patroness of converts, repentant sinners, sexual temptation, pharmacists, tanners and women. 

    We need to reflect deeply on the dignity of women, the New Evangelization, and the greatness of the mystery of Divine Mercy. She was referred to as the "Apostle of the Apostles" 

    by Thomas Aquinas, since she announced to them the Resurrection, and they, in turn, announced it to the whole world. 

    The liturgical celebration of this woman has the same grade of feast given to the celebration of the Apostles in the General Roman Calendar, and shines a light on the special 

    mission of this woman, who is an example and model for every woman in the Church.




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