For centuries, Mary Magdalene has been misrepresented as a repentant prostitute who, after encountering Jesus, repented and spent the rest of her life in private prayer and penitence, thus damaging and diminishing her true role as an early and important leader in the Church.

The truth is there is no biblical or historical evidence Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Rather, as New Testament Scholar, Sr. Sandra Schneiders, IHM points out, she is presented in scripture as “the premiere woman disciple of Jesus.” All four Gospels explicitly point out that Mary Magdalene was present at the tomb on Easter morning and in John’s account she alone is the first to encounter, be commissioned by, and proclaim the Risen Christ. 

This centuries-long slander has been harmful to women and to the Church.  According to distinguished theologian, Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ, “Making her a prostitute has allowed her leadership role among the disciples to be generally forgotten.” Sr. Johnson adds that even now, “for those who prefer a Church with an exclusively male hierarchy, it is easier to deal with her as a repentant sinner than as an apostolic woman who had a voice and used it.”

For nearly three decades, FutureChurch has worked to restore Mary Magdalene’s true role in scripture as the Apostle of the Apostles – the first to announce the Good News of Resurrection. 

Mary Magdalene Monday is an extension of that effort and through the month of July – in recognition of her July 22nd feast day – we will highlight action items, resources, and personal reflections that help us reclaim Mary Magdalene for ourselves, for our Church, for our world.