O ALMIGHTY God, whose blessed Son did sanctify Mary Magdalene, and call her to be a witness to his Resurrection: Mercifully grant that by thy grace we may be healed of all our infirmities, and serve thee in the power of his endless life; who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
Readings: (2 Corinthians v. 14; Saint John xx. 1)
Saint Mary was given the name Magdalene because, though a Jewish girl, she lived in a Gentile town called Magdale, in northern Galilee, and her culture and manners were those of a Gentile. St. Luke records that she was a notorious sinner, and had seven devils removed from her.
Mary Magdalene is affirmed as a saint by the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches and today is her feast day.
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