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 Fourth Centenary of the Death of Caravaggio "The Deposition" Scott 1438 (2010) July 22 is the feast day for Saint Mary Magdalene. Although not specifically cited on a stamp from Vatican City, she is represented on the stamp above illustrating Christ's removal from the cross following his crucifixion. Mary Magdalene is one of the three women in the painting. From left to right are Mary, the mother of Jesus (wearing a black and white veil, looking down on Christ), Mary Magdalene (with a white kerchief to her face, drying tears) and Mary of Cleophas (the woman with outstretched arms). Besides the Blessed Virgin Mary, no other women is mentioned more often in the Gospels than Mary Magdalene. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and has been described as the "Apostle of the Apostles". The Gospels place her at the scenes of both Christ's crucifixion and resurrection (she was one of the first to discover the empty tomb of Jesus on Easter, as described in Luke 24). However, Mary Magdalene has endured a controversial telling of her history. In the late 6th century, her identity was comingled with those of Mary of Bethany and the unnamed "sinful woman" who anointed Christ's feet in Luke's Gospel. As such, she has been erroneously described as a reformed prostitute or "promiscuous woman". She was also described as having great wealth. These interpretations were rejected during the Counter-Reformation of the 16th century, and in 1969 Pope Paul VI removed the identification of Mary Magdalene from those of Mary of Bethany and the "sinful woman". Today Saint Mary Magdalene is honored for her place in the founding history of the Church and is the patron saint of penitents. REFERENCES: |
