Every name has a story.

The name Marie Madeleine was chosen with great intention. It is the French spelling of Mary Magdalene, one of the most beloved women in Sacred Scripture and one of the most faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

As someone with French heritage and deep Louisiana roots, choosing the French name felt especially meaningful. But even more importantly, Saint Mary Magdalene's unwavering love for Christ, her remarkable conversion, and her courageous witness to the Resurrection embody the mission of our Catholic shop—to help families encounter Christ and grow in faith through beautiful, meaningful Catholic gifts.

Each year on July 22, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene. Leading up to her feast day, many Catholics pray a nine-day novena from July 14 through July 22, asking for her intercession and seeking to imitate her faithful love of Jesus.

Who Was Saint Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene came from the town of Magdala, located along the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. Scripture tells us that Jesus cast seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9), freeing her from profound spiritual suffering.

After her healing, Mary devoted her entire life to following Christ.

Unlike many who encountered Jesus only briefly, Mary remained with Him throughout His public ministry. She traveled with Him, helped support His mission alongside other holy women, and became one of His most devoted followers.

The Gospels never describe her as Jesus' wife or suggest a romantic relationship. Those ideas come from later legends and fictional works—not from Sacred Scripture or the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Instead, the Church honors Mary Magdalene as a woman whose life was completely transformed by the mercy of Christ.

Her story reminds us that no one is beyond God's forgiveness.

Mary Magdalene Walked with Jesus

Mary Magdalene witnessed many of the most important moments of Jesus' earthly ministry.

She likely heard Him preach throughout Galilee.

She witnessed countless miracles.

She saw lives transformed by His mercy.

She watched sinners welcomed with compassion and the sick restored to health.

As Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, Mary remained among His closest followers.

While many disciples struggled to understand the suffering that awaited Jesus, Mary remained faithful.

Her love did not disappear when the Cross appeared.

She Stayed at the Foot of the Cross

One of the most moving moments in the Gospels is Mary's presence during the Crucifixion.

When many disciples fled in fear, Mary Magdalene stayed.

She stood near the Cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John.

She witnessed Christ's suffering.

She heard His final words.

She remained faithful when hope seemed lost.

Imagine standing beneath the Cross, watching the One you love give His life for the salvation of the world.

Mary did not run.

She stayed.

Her courage teaches us that true discipleship means remaining close to Christ—not only during moments of joy, but especially during suffering.

She Witnessed His Burial

After Jesus died, Mary Magdalene followed Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus as they placed Jesus in the tomb.

She carefully observed where His body was laid.

This detail becomes important because it demonstrates that Mary knew exactly where Jesus had been buried. She was not confused about the location when she returned on Easter morning.

Even in grief, she remained faithful.

The First Witness of the Resurrection

Before sunrise on the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb carrying spices to anoint Jesus' body.

Instead, she found the stone rolled away.

Her heart was filled with confusion and sorrow.

After speaking with the angels, she encountered a man she believed to be the gardener.

Then everything changed.

Jesus simply spoke one word:

"Mary."

Immediately she recognized Him.

The Risen Christ had appeared to her.

She became the first witness of the Resurrection.

Jesus then entrusted her with an extraordinary mission:

"Go to my brothers and tell them..."

Mary became the first person commissioned to proclaim the Resurrection.

Because of this, the Church has long called her "The Apostle to the Apostles."

What an incredible honor.

The woman once healed by Christ became the first messenger of Easter.

Why Is Mary Magdalene Called the Apostle to the Apostles?

The title was first used by early Church leaders and remains one of Mary's most beautiful honors.

Although she was not one of the Twelve Apostles, Jesus personally entrusted Mary Magdalene with announcing His Resurrection to them.

She became the first evangelist of Easter morning.

In 2016, Pope Francis elevated her liturgical memorial to a Feast, placing her celebration alongside the Apostles to highlight her unique role in salvation history.

What Can We Learn from Saint Mary Magdalene?

Mary Magdalene's life continues to inspire Christians today.

1. God's Mercy Changes Everything

Mary's story begins with healing.

No past mistake, wound, or sin is too great for Jesus.

His mercy transforms lives.

2. Stay Close to Jesus

Mary followed Christ throughout His ministry.

She reminds us to remain close to Him through prayer, Scripture, the Mass, and the Sacraments.

3. Remain Faithful During Suffering

Many people left when Jesus was crucified.

Mary remained.

Faith becomes strongest when we continue trusting God during difficult seasons.

4. Seek Jesus Every Day

Early on Easter morning, while it was still dark, Mary searched for Jesus.

May we seek Him first each day with the same determination.

5. Share the Good News

Once Mary encountered the Risen Lord, she immediately shared the joyful news.

We are called to do the same by living our Catholic faith with joy, love, and courage.

Patron Saint of...

Saint Mary Magdalene is honored as the patron saint of:

• Converts
• Penitents
• Women
• Hairdressers and barbers
• Perfumers
• Pharmacists
• Those seeking a deeper conversion
• People struggling with temptation
• Those devoted to prayer and evangelization

She reminds us that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future through Christ.

Why We Chose the Name Marie Madeleine

At Marie Madeleine, our mission is simple:

To help individuals and families grow closer to Jesus Christ.

Saint Mary Magdalene beautifully reflects that mission.

She encountered Christ personally.

She remained faithful through suffering.

She proclaimed His Resurrection with courage.

Every Catholic gift we carefully select—from children's faith-filled toys and Baptism gifts to rosaries, devotional books, sacramental keepsakes, and meaningful home décor—is chosen with the hope of helping others encounter Christ just as Mary Magdalene did.

Her witness reminds us that faith begins with an encounter with Jesus and grows through daily discipleship.

Novena to Saint Mary Magdalene

Pray July 14 – July 22

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Prayer

Saint Mary Magdalene, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, you experienced His healing mercy and remained devoted to Him throughout His earthly ministry. You stood faithfully beneath His Cross, witnessed His burial, and were chosen to be the first witness of His glorious Resurrection.

Obtain for us the grace to love Jesus with our whole hearts, to remain faithful in times of suffering, and to proclaim His Gospel with courage and joy.

Help us seek Christ each day through prayer, the Holy Eucharist, Sacred Scripture, and lives of holiness.

(Here mention your intentions.)

Pray for us, Saint Mary Magdalene, that we may become faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Day 1

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in repenting from her past sins in order to serve You faithfully. 

St. Mary Magdalene, Scripture tells us that you were a great sinner before you encountered Jesus. After Jesus drove seven demons out of you, you repented of your past sins and chose to serve Him faithfully.

Please bring my petitions before Christ Whom you served with such faithfulness!

You left behind your old life of sin and became a dear friend of Our Lord during His public ministry. You remained faithful to Him even through His suffering and death. 

Pray for me, that I may never waiver in my repentance for past sins. Pray that I may faithfully serve God each day of my life. 

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 2

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You she showed in choosing to leave behind her old life and to become one of Your followers. 

St. Mary Magdalene, your old life before encountering Christ was one of sinfulness. But after Jesus drove seven demons out of you, you committed yourself to serving Him devotedly. 

Please bring my petitions before Christ Whom you served with such devotion!

You turned away from your old life of sin to follow Jesus. You are an example of holiness to all converts and to all who wish to be faithful followers of Christ.

Pray for me, that I may serve God with devotion each day of my life. Pray that I may grow in my relationship with Jesus at every opportunity.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 3

Day 4

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in telling others what You had done for her so that they might serve You as well.

St. Mary Magdalene, we know few details for certain about your life. But it is believed that you told many others about Jesus after you chose to become His follower and to serve Him.

Please bring my petitions before Christ Whom you served so lovingly!

It is believed that you helped bring other women to Christ by telling them what He had done for you. You remained a faithful follower of Jesus throughout the rest of His ministry and throughout the days of the early Church.

Pray for me, that I may always take every opportunity to preach the Good News to others. Pray that I may do all I can to be a faithful follower of Christ.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 5

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the devotion to You she showed as she followed You and became Your close friend.

St. Mary Magdalene, we know that you were a faithful follower of Jesus after He drove seven demons out of you. But beside being His follower, you were also a dear friend of Our Lord.

Please bring my petitions before your dear Friend, Jesus!

Scripture tells us that you were distraught when you thought that someone had taken the Body of Jesus. When He appeared to you, you clung to Him and did not wish to let Him go.

Pray for me, that I may grow to be a dear friend of Jesus like you were. Pray that I may do all I can to grow in my relationship with God.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 6

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in the great faith she had in You.

St. Mary Magdalene, you left behind your old life of sin and became a devoted follower of Jesus during the time of His public ministry.

Please bring my petitions before Christ Whom you followed with such devotion!

Though it was not always easy to be one of Jesus’ followers, you held fast to your love and your faith in Him. Your devotion did not waver, even when He suffered and died.

Pray for me, that I may do all I can to grow in faith and devotion to Jesus in my life. Pray that I may make my relationship with Christ my top priority in life.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 7

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the virtue she showed in courageously proclaiming You and holding fast to her Faith.

St. Mary Magdalene, you followed Jesus with devotion during the time of His public ministry. It is believed that you also courageously told other women what Jesus had done for you.

Please bring my petitions before Jesus Whom you preached!

During the days of the early Church, it is believed that you remained among the Apostles. The early Church had many enemies, but it is thought that you courageously held fast to your Faith against those enemies who sent you into exile.

Pray for me, that I may always practice my Faith courageously. Pray that I may grow in every virtue necessary for holiness.

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Day 8

Day 9 – Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene (July 22)

Pray in thanksgiving for Christ's mercy and ask Saint Mary Magdalene to help you remain faithful to Jesus all the days of your life.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Mary Magdalene as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate the love of You she showed in her steadfast service to You throughout her life.

St. Mary Magdalene, the Church honors you as a great saint because of your close relationship with Jesus during His time on earth. You continued to serve Him faithfully after He ascended into Heaven. 

Please continue to bring my petitions before the throne of God!

It is believed that you remained with the members of the early Church in the days following Christ’s Ascension. Though the early Church had many enemies, you held fast to your Faith and love for Jesus.

Pray for me, that I may always be a holy servant of God and His Church. Pray that I may never waver in my Faith, no matter the cost. 

Please also pray for (mention your intentions here).

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for us!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Amen.

Closing Prayer

Saint Mary Magdalene,

you loved Jesus with unwavering devotion.

You remained at the foot of His Cross.

You rejoiced in His Resurrection.

Intercede for us that we may never lose hope, never cease seeking Christ, and always proclaim His love to the world.

May our hearts burn with the same love that filled yours on Easter morning.

Lead us ever closer to Jesus, who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Amen.

Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.