Mary Magdalene is a controversial figure in the New Testament, often confused with other women associated with Jesus. Misconceptions about her character and occupation exist, but she is believed to have witnessed the Crucifixion and was the first to encounter the resurrected Jesus. She retired to Ephesus or possibly France and her remains are kept in a Catholic church in La Sainte-Baume, France.
Mary Magdalene, considered a saint by the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Churches, is a controversial figure in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene is mentioned by name only three times in the Gospels, but her identity has often been intertwined with other women associated with Jesus’ ministry. Some modern scholars and science fiction writers have even suggested that this woman was secretly married to Jesus, or at least who had an intimate relationship with Him.
There are a number of misconceptions surrounding the historical Mary Magdalene, most concerning her character and occupation. According to popular belief, Mary was a well-known local prostitute when she first met Jesus and his disciples. According to the Gospels, however, she limited herself to “ministering” Jesus, a term that implies a gesture of material or spiritual support. Jesus is said to have released seven demons from this woman, which some have translated as a sign of sexual impropriety. This theory is not supported by the Gospels, as Jesus cast out demons from both men and women.
Mary Magdalene is also commonly confused with “Mary of Bethany”, sister of Martha and Lazarus. While both Marys continued to follow Jesus throughout his ministry, Mary of Bethany is thought to be the same penitent woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. Mary Magdalene, on the other hand, is considered by some to be the unnamed “sinner” whom Jesus defends from an unjust stoning for adultery. This event is described as occurring before Jesus met this woman and exorcized her demons. The connection between the ‘sinner’ and Mary Magdalene appears to have been established centuries after the fact.
Mary Magdalene is also mentioned as witnessing the Crucifixion of Christ, perhaps consoling another Mary, the mother of Jesus. After the removal of Jesus’ body from the cross, Mary Magdalene is believed to have witnessed the traditional preparations for a Jewish burial. She is also the first of her followers to encounter the resurrected form of Jesus Christ, although He warns her not to embrace him. The news of Jesus’ resurrection to the other disciples is also attributed to Mary.
In her later years, Mary is said to have retired to the city of Ephesus, together with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Other traditions suggest that she actually moved to France and spent her last days as a Christian missionary in the region. Her remains are said to be kept in two separate reliquaries, with her skull resting in a cave in a small Catholic church in La Sainte-Baume, France.
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