Venerated Saint Mary Magdalene (vegetarian): The Apostle to the Apostles, Part 2 of 2

According to early Christian Gospels that were found near Nag Hammadi, Egypt, in 1945, Lord Jesus Christ’s disciples became disheartened and fearful after His crucifixion. They were terrified of being executed by Roman authorities if they publicly preached the Gospel. It was Saint Mary Magdalene who encouraged and inspired them. She was courageous in words and actions and was a symbol of wisdom. She believed the Kingdom of God that Lord Jesus had referred to was here and now, and that it was imperative for everyone to return to a child-like state. She had received visions and secret teachings that were given only to Her by the Son of God, and which She explained to the Apostles. Saint Mary Magdalene acquired the roles of both leader and spiritual counselor. During Her time on Earth, She served as an inspiration for numerous faith seekers interested in the Christian message.

According to the medieval biography “The Golden Legend,” after completing Her task, Saint Mary Magdalene chose to retire from public life, as She longed to dedicate Her time to Divine contemplation. Angels prepared a cave in the wilderness desert for Saint Mary Magdalene, where She resided in seclusion for three decades. She fasted for 30 years, renouncing all mundane things, including clothing, food, and drinks. Each day, the angels would carry Saint Mary to listen to the Celestial Sounds of Heaven and then return Her to the grotto. As such, She needed no physical nourishment.

A leader, an evangelist, and prophet, She is now considered a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church traditionally reveres Saint Mary as “equal to the apostles” and as a “Myrrhbearer,” as She witnessed the burial of Lord Jesus Christ and discovered His empty tomb. Protestant churches venerate Saint Mary as a heroine, and Presbyterians address Her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.” Mary Magdalene is also referred to in many writings of the Baháʼí Faith, in which she is highly respected as a heroine of faith.

The original liturgical commemoration held for Mary Magdalene each year was, in 2016, elevated. The Vatican declared July 22 as feast day for Saint Mary Magdalene and officially referred to her as the “Apostle of the Apostles.”