July 22, feast of Saint Mary Magdalene
Saint Mary Magdalene , or Mary of Magdala, was the sister of Saint Martha and Saint Lazarus, and came from Bethany. After living as a sinner for the first few years of her life, Mary Magdalene met Christ. He casts 7 demons from her body. She then devoted herself totally to his service, loving him with all her heart and giving him thanks. Along with many other women, she is the servant of Jesus and the apostles. Together with the Virgin Mary, St. Veronica and St. John , she accompanied the Savior on his way to the Cross. She witnessed the moment when Jesus gave up his soul to his Father and wept with his mother. St. Mary Magdalene then accompanied Joseph of Arimathea , who had taken charge of Christ's burial. She returned the next day and saw that the Savior had risen from the dead. She was the first to see this great miracle. In fact, it was she who informed the apostles of Christ's Resurrection. That's why she's called "theapostle of the apostles".
This is why, since the summer of 2016, St. Mary Magdalene is "celebrated " on July 22, rather than "celebrated" as before. Indeed, that year,Pope Francis announced in a decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments his decision to elevate the saint to a higher rank. Since then, the liturgical celebration of this woman has had the same festive character reserved for the celebration of the apostles. The Holy Father's intention is to make Mary Magdalene an example of evangelization for every woman in the Church. Saint John Paul II , in his letter Mulieris dignitatem, underlined the particularity and importance of the role of Saint Mary Magdalene in the Bible.
Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalene
"Saint Mary Magdalene, you who were forgiven by Jesus, you who loved much; Show us the way to true conversion and purity of heart.
Out of love, you followed Jesus to serve him; Teach us to give our lives freely
for our brothers and sisters.
You stood by Jesus' cross with Mary and John; obtain for us the grace of faith and hope in our trials.
On Easter morning, you received from Jesus the mission of announcing the resurrection to his disciples; help us to believe that life is stronger than death, that love conquers all.
Through your intercession, we entrust to the Lord (formulate request). Amen."Hozana!
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The Hozana editorial team.
