St. Mary Magdalene is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Mary Magdalene was one of the most devoted followers of Jesus, present at his crucifixion and the first witness to his Resurrection. Jesus had freed her from seven demons, and she became one of his closest disciples. The Church celebrates St. Mary Magdalene's feast on 07-22.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Mary Magdalene as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Mary Magdalene for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene was one of the most devoted followers of Jesus, present at his crucifixion and the first witness to his Resurrection. Jesus had freed her from seven demons, and she became one of his closest disciples. Pope Francis elevated her feast to the rank of a full feast in 2016, recognizing her as the 'Apostle of the Apostles.'
The vocation of St. Mary Magdalene reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Mary Magdalene's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Penitent sinners, women, pharmacists, contemplative life
St. Mary Magdalene is honored as the patron saint of Penitent sinners, women, pharmacists, contemplative life. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Penitent sinners have traditionally invoked St. Mary Magdalene's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Mary Magdalene is grounded in the specific details of Magdalene's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Mary Magdalene in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Mary Magdalene and seek Magdalene's intercession:
On the Feast Day (07-22): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Magdalene's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Magdalene's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Mary Magdalene and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Mary Magdalene in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Magdalene, pray for us," draws Magdalene's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Mary Magdalene can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Mary Magdalene. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene
O glorious St. Mary Magdalene, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Mary Magdalene as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Magdalene's memory imitate Magdalene's virtues and one day share Magdalene's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Mary Magdalene in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Mary Magdalene has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Mary Magdalene in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Magdalene's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Magdalene's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Mary Magdalene is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Mary Magdalene: She is mentioned by name twelve times in the four Gospels, more than most of the Apostles.
When praying before an image of St. Mary Magdalene, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.