Saint Mary Magdalene

Patroness of the Order of Preachers
Feast Day: July 22

Mary Magdalene, who was healed by the Lord Jesus, followed him with great love and ministered to him (Lk 8:3). Later when the disciples fled, Mary Magdalene stood at the cross with Mother of the Lord, John and some of the women (Jn 19:25). On Easter morning Jesus appeared to her and sent to announce the news of his resurrection to the disciples (Mk 16:9; Jn 20:11-18).

Her cult spread throughout the western Church, especially in the eleventh century, and flourished in the Order of Preachers. As Humbert of Romans attests: “After Magdalene was converted to penitence the Lord bestowed such great upon her that after the Blessed Virgin no woman could be found to whom greater glory in heaven.”

The Order of Preachers (DOMINICANS) numbers her among its patrons. Its brothers and sisters of every age have honored her as the “APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES” — for thus is she celebrated in the Byzantine liturgy — and have compared the mission of Magdalene in announcing the resurrection to their own mission.

Prayer

Father, your Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection. By her prayers and example may we proclaim Christ as our living Lord and one day see him in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

Saint Dominic de Guzman, pray for us!

(Source: Supplement to the Liturgy of the Hours for the Order of Preachers)