Follower of Jesus who first met the risen Lord and told the disciples; called the Apostle to the Apostles.
Life
Mary Magdalene came from Magdala on the Sea of Galilee. According to Luke's Gospel, Jesus cast seven demons out of her. Afterward she followed Jesus with other women, supporting him and his companions from her own means.
She remained at the foot of the cross when many disciples had fled, and she saw where he was buried. The risen Jesus called her by name as she wept at the tomb and sent her to announce the resurrection to the disciples; for this the Church's tradition calls her the "apostle to the apostles." The Western Church long identified her with other women in the Gospels, but the Gospels do not say so. In 2016 Pope Francis raised her memorial to a feast.
Spirituality
Mary Magdalene's spirituality is the steadfast love of one who has been healed. Because of the mercy she received from Jesus, she did not leave even at the cross, and recognizing the Lord when he called her name, she became the first witness to proclaim the good news.
Reflection
The risen Lord called the weeping Mary by name. The Lord knows us by name. In my own sorrow, do I believe that the Lord is calling my name too?