Mary Magdalene was a significant disciple of Jesus Christ in the 1st century CE, known primarily for being healed by Jesus of seven demons and for her devoted support of his ministry in Galilee. She is mentioned by name twelve times in the canonical Gospels, more than most apostles and more than any other woman except Jesus’s family
. She witnessed key events in Jesus’s life, including his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Notably, she was the first person to see the resurrected Jesus, according to the Gospels of Mark and John, and was instructed by Jesus to inform the apostles of his resurrection, earning her the title "apostle to the apostles"
. Mary Magdalene likely came from the town of Magdala, a fishing village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, which is reflected in her name
. She is considered a saint in multiple Christian traditions, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Pope Francis elevated her liturgical commemoration in 2016 to a feast day, recognizing her importance in the Christian faith
. Over centuries, Mary Magdalene’s image has evolved and been subject to various interpretations and legends. Historically, she was sometimes conflated with other biblical women and mistakenly portrayed as a repentant prostitute, but modern scholarship emphasizes her role as a faithful disciple and witness to Jesus’s resurrection
. In summary, Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus, a witness to his death and resurrection, and a foundational figure in early Christianity whose legacy continues to be honored and studied today
