Who was St Mary Magdalene?

Mary of Magdala was one of the disciples of Jesus, following him in his earthly ministry, and showing a clear and uncompromising devotion to her Lord.

Jesus did not choose Mary to be one of the twelve Apostles (indeed, he chose only men for this office), and yet it is clear that Mary Magdalene was amongst his closest confidants and friends. Early on the morning of the first Easter Day, in what is arguably one of the most moving passages of the whole of Scripture, the Bible recounts the story of Mary Magdalene becoming the first witness of the resurrection - an honour without comparison in human history, except perhaps in choosing of the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Jesus.

 

Many theories have arisen concerning Mary of Magdala. The most common story is that she worked as a prostitute before coming to know Jesus and following him. Undoubtedly she was a sinner (like all of us) whose life was changed by Jesus, but there is no biblical evidence of a life of prostitution. The story may be true, or it may be a fable that arose over time to emphasise the wonder and mystery of our transformation by, and salvation through, the Lord Jesus. The more recent speculation about Mary Magdalene and Jesus getting married and having children, a secret hidden for centuries by a mysterious secret society named the ‘Priory of Sion’, is an attractive tale in many ways, could it be true? Probably not. Maybe. No. Sure?

 

Mary Magdalene is a patron saint of our parish because the leper hosptial and its chapel in Bramber were dedicated to her. This hospital, run by nuns, has long since closed, but the area of Bramber where it stood is still called “Maudlin”, which is a corruption of “Magdalene”. The area is still full of references to the saint, and we continue to call upon her intercession. On the morning of her feast day (22nd July) each year, unless it is a Sunday, we hold an early eucharist at St Botolph’s Church (the inmates of the leper hospital were not permitted to attend Bramber’s fashionable St Nicholas’ Church and were made to walk the longer distance to St Botolph’s, where two leper squints were provided) and we remain afterwards for breakfast together.

 

Her feast day is 22nd July.