St. Mary Magdalene Patron Saint

St. Mary Magdalene, the faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She was one of the courageous disciples of Jesus who remained steadfast with Jesus during His Passion and agony on the Cross. St. Mary Magdalene visited the tomb of Jesus with two other women and found it abandoned. It was to Mary Magdalene that Jesus first appeared after His Resurrection. She was to announce His Resurrection to the Apostles. She is the patron saint of many causes:

* Against sexual temptation
* Anguiano, Spain
* Apothecaries
* Atrani, Salerno, Italy
* Casamicciola, Italy
* Contemplative life
* Comtenplatives
* Converts
* Druggists
* Elantxobe, Spain
* Glove makers
* Hairdressers
* Hairstylists
* La Magdeleine, Italy
* Penitent sinners
* Penitent women
* People ridiculed for their piety
* Perfumeries
* Perfumers
* Pharmacists
* Reformed prostitutes
* Tanners
* Women

Many Catholics who have St. Mary Magdalene as a patron saint wear a St. Mary Magdalene medal or a St. Mary Magdalene pendant in veneration of this close friend of Jesus. They pray for her intercession in their lives and ask for her courage to strengthen them in their faith.

St. Mary Magdalene Prayer

Saint Mary Magdalene,
woman of many sins, who by conversion
became the beloved of Jesus,
thank you for your witness
that Jesus forgives
through the miracle of love.
You, who already possess eternal happiness
in His glorious presence,
please intercede for me, so that someday
I may share in the same everlasting joy. Amen.
Excerpt of St. Anselm Prayer to St. Mary Magdalene
St. Mary Magdalene, you came with springing tears to the spring of mercy, Christ; from Him your burning thirst was abundantly refreshed through Him your sins were forgiven; by Him your bitter sorrow was consoled.

My dearest lady, well you know by your own life how a sinful soul can be reconciled with its Creator, what counsel a soul in misery needs, what medicine will restore the sick to health. It is enough for us to understand, dear friend of God, to whom were many sins forgiven, because she loved much.

Most blessed lady, I who am the most evil and sinful of men do not recall your sins as a reproach, but call upon the boundless mercy by which they were blotted out. This is my reassurance, so that I do not despair; this is my longing, so that I shall not perish.

I say this of myself, miserably cast down into the depths of vice, bowed down with the weight of crimes, thrust down by my own hand into a dark prison of sins, wrapped round with the shadows of darkness.

Therefore, since you are now with the chosen because you are beloved and are beloved because you are chosen of God, I, in my misery, pray to you, in bliss; in my darkness, I ask for light; in my sins, redemption; impure, I ask for purity.

Recall in loving kindness what you used to be, how much you needed mercy, and seek for me that same forgiving love that you received when you were wanting it. Ask urgently that I may have the love that pierces the heart; tears that are humble; desire for the homeland of heaven; impatience with this earthly exile; searing repentance; and a dread of torments in eternity.

Turn to my good that ready access that you once had and still have to the spring of mercy.