Penitent Magdalene (c. 1594–96), Caravaggio · public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Her story

A woman from Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). She followed him and supported his ministry, stood at the cross, and was the first witness of the Resurrection: Jesus sent her to tell the disciples (John 20:11–18).

Path to sainthood

Venerated since the early Church (pre-Congregation). By a decree of 3 June 2016, issued at Pope Francis's wish by the Congregation for Divine Worship, her memorial was raised to a full feast, the same rank as the apostles. The decree calls her the "apostle of the apostles", a title it takes from St Thomas Aquinas.

Patronages

Converts, penitents, perfumers, hairdressers, and contemplatives.

Trivia

• In his Homily 33 of 591, Pope Gregory the Great merged her with the unnamed "sinful woman" of Luke 7, creating the long-lived but unbiblical image of her as a repentant prostitute. The 1969 calendar reform separated them.
• A legend says she showed the Emperor Tiberius an egg that turned red, a story linked to the custom of red Easter eggs ⚠ (legend).
• French tradition places her last years in a cave at La Sainte-Baume in Provence.

Sources

• Vatican News: St Mary Magdalene
• Vatican: Decree raising Mary Magdalene to a feast (2016)
• Britannica: St Mary Magdalene

Fact-checked on October 15, 2026 against New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia), Vatican documents and news reports. Britannica links are given for further reading. Feast days follow the General Roman Calendar.

Last verified: October 15, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change: confirm with the official source before you go.