Mary Magdalene was a prominent disciple of Jesus Christ in the 1st century CE, originating from Magdala, a fishing town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. According to the four canonical gospels, she was healed by Jesus from seven demons, which likely referred to a serious physical or psychological ailment rather than literal possession
. She is notably recognized for her close association with Jesus during his ministry, providing financial support and accompanying him and his apostles. Mary Magdalene was a steadfast witness to critical events in Jesus' life, including his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. All four gospels record her presence at the crucifixion and as one of the first to discover the empty tomb. Most significantly, the Gospel of John describes her as the first person to see the resurrected Jesus and the one Jesus tasked with informing the apostles of his resurrection, earning her the title "apostle to the apostles"
. Despite popular cultural portrayals that have sometimes conflated her with a repentant prostitute, biblical texts do not support this characterization. Instead, she is remembered as a devoted follower and a key witness to the resurrection, which is central to Christian faith
. Mary Magdalene is venerated as a saint in many Christian traditions, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Her feast day is celebrated on July 22, and Pope Francis elevated her liturgical status in 2016, emphasizing her importance in the early Christian community
. In summary, Mary Magdalene was a significant disciple of Jesus, known for her healing, unwavering loyalty, and being the first witness to the resurrection, making her one of the most important female figures in Christianity.
