Surprising Facts About St. Mary Magdalene
Quick Facts: Apostle to the Apostles • Myrrhbearer • Feast Day: July 22 • Not a prostitute
1. She Was Not a Prostitute
Despite centuries of misconception, scripture never identifies Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. This confusion began in 591 AD when Pope Gregory I conflated her with the unnamed sinful woman in Luke’s Gospel. In 1969, the Church officially corrected this.
2. Apostle to the Apostles
Mary Magdalene was the first to witness the Resurrection and was sent by Christ to tell the apostles. Because of this, she has been called the “Apostle to the Apostles”—a title affirmed by early Church Fathers and modern theologians.
3. Feast Day: July 22
The Church celebrates her feast on . In 2016, Pope Francis elevated it to a liturgical feast, putting her on par with the male apostles in terms of celebration.
4. A Myrrhbearer with a Mission
In Eastern Christianity, Mary is honored as one of the “Myrrhbearers”—the women who brought spices to Jesus' tomb. This reflects her deep devotion and role in the resurrection story.
5. Confusion in the Early Church
For centuries, Mary Magdalene was misidentified as Mary of Bethany or the sinful woman in Luke 7. The 1969 calendar revision restored her unique identity, recognizing her true role as a faithful disciple of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
No. Scripture does not describe Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. This misconception came from a 6th-century sermon by Pope Gregory I, which the Church later corrected.
Why is her feast day on July 22?
July 22 marks her witness to the Resurrection. The Church elevated it to a feast day in 2016 to emphasize her importance in salvation history.
What is her legacy today?
Mary Magdalene is honored as a courageous disciple, a faithful witness, and an evangelist who inspires both men and women to follow Christ with boldness and devotion.
Sources: Wikipedia: Mary Magdalene
4. A Myrrhbearer with a Mission
In Eastern tradition, she is honored as a “Myrrhbearer,” one of the women who brought spices to Jesus’ tomb—a symbol of her devotion.
5. Early Church Confusion & Modern Restoration
For centuries, Western tradition conflated Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany and the unnamed sinful woman in Luke 7. The Church clarified her identity in the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar, distinguishing her as a devoted follower of Christ and the first witness to His resurrection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute?
No. This famous misconception stems from Pope Gregory I’s sermon in the 6th century, not from Scripture.
Why is her feast day on July 22?
That date commemorates her role as first eyewitness to the Resurrection, and was elevated to a feast day in 2016.
Sources & Citations
- Vatican.va – Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, May 23, 2006: Mary Magdalene: Apostle of the Apostles
- Wikipedia – Mary Magdalene – Explanation of the 1969 liturgical reform and identity clarification.
- Catholic Encyclopedia (1910) – Entry on St. Mary Magdalene , including historic conflation with other figures.
