 Mary
Magdalene, Saint, in the New Testament, woman so named from
Magdala, a town near Tiberias (now in Israel). Jesus healed her of evil
spirits (see Luke 8:2) and, following her vigil at the foot of the cross
(see Mark 15:40), he appeared to her after his resurrection (see Matthew
28:9). Mary Magdalene was identified by Pope Gregory I with a sinful woman
described as having anointed the Lord's feet (see Luke 7:37-38) and with
Mary the sister of Martha, who also anointed Jesus (see John 12:3), although
the Gospels support neither tradition. The Eastern church maintains the
distinction between the three. The feast day of Mary Magdalene is July
22. Source: Microsoft Encarta 97 |
