Saint Mary the Myrrh-bearer and Equal to the Apostles was from Magdala. She lived in the time of Christ and, by His blessing, was healed of the seven demons that afflicted her. Thereafter she devoted herself to His teaching, following Him and becoming His faithful disciple.
During the Passion of the Savior, when the Apostles went into hiding, Mary Magdalene remained near the Cross, weeping and mourning for her Teacher. After the Descent from the Cross, she did not leave but assisted in His burial, cleansing His body and anointing it with myrrh.
On the day of the Resurrection, the saint was the first to behold the empty tomb and the Risen Christ. He appeared to her and commanded her to proclaim the joyful message to the Apostles. Thus, she became the first Evangelist of the Resurrection, of the abolition of death, and of the salvation of humankind. This made her a great saint of the Church and equal to the Apostles.
Her life is a model of self-sacrifice and love for God. Through her purity and spiritual radiance, she inspired Christians to follow her example, always believing in and confessing their faith in the Savior.
