Magdalene

Magdalene typically refers to Mary Magdalene, a figure in the Christian New Testament. The name derives from Magdala, a town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. In the Gospels she is described as a devoted follower of Jesus who supported him and his ministry, and she is one of the women who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion and was among the first to encounter the risen Christ.

In the canonical texts, Mary Magdalene is mentioned in multiple Gospel accounts as part of the group of women who travel with Jesus and later visit the tomb. The Gospel narratives portray her as a key witness to the resurrection, often in close proximity to the male apostles. Over time, she became the subject of traditions distinguishing her from other biblical women, notably Mary of Bethany and the unnamed sinful woman described in Luke 7. Modern biblical scholarship generally treats these identifications as separate figures and emphasizes her role as a prominent disciple rather than as a repentant prostitute.

Mary Magdalene holds a place of veneration in several Christian traditions. She is regarded as a saint in Catholic, Orthodox, and some Protestant communities, with a feast day on July 22 in Western Christianity. Some traditions honor her as “the Apostle to the Apostles” for her role in announcing the resurrection, though this title reflects later church tradition rather than a distinct canonical office. She also features in apocryphal texts, such as the Gospel of Mary, and has been a recurring presence in art, literature, and theological reflection.

Magdalene also appears in geography and institutions, including the Magdalene Islands in Quebec and Magdalene College, Cambridge (as well as the variant Magdalen College, Oxford). The name continues to be used as a given name and surname in various contexts.