The Church Honors the Greatest Penitent On This Day

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene.

Known as the “Greatest Penitent,” St. Mary Magdalene was among the earliest disciples of Our Lord. She was “at the foot of the cross” with the Mother of Our Lord. It was to St. Mary Magdalene that the Risen Lord first appeared. In the early Church, she was often known as “the apostle to the Apostles.”

Writings from the early Church tell us that she was the companion of the Mother of Jesus during the last years of the Blessed Mother’s earthly life and that she accompanied St. John, the Beloved Disciple, and the Blessed Mother when they left Palestine.

Read the fascinating book about St. Mary Magdalene by the German mystic, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, to learn more about the remarkable life of this holy woman whose life exemplifies the great love, mercy and forgiveness that Our Lord offers:

We also recommend reading Amy Welborn’s wonderful book, debunking all the outrageous myths concerning this great saint and her relationship to Our Lord:

No one has offered a greater prayer in honor of St. Mary Magdalene than St. Anselm, who lived in the 12th century. To read the prayer he composed in her honor, go here.

O St. Mary Magdalene, now with the Lord in His heavenly kingdom, pray for us that we may have the certain faith and the humble repentance that you had. Amen.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 at 11:52 am and is filed under General Catholic Ramblings. Posted by catholicmike.
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