Sta. Maria Magdalena feast

Roman Catholics observe today the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene (Santa Maria Magdalena), the sister of Saints Martha and Lazarus, who, according to the Holy Bible, were close friends of Jesus.

Bishop Francisco de Leon will celebrate a high mass in her honor at 9 a.m. today at the St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Pililla, Rizal, which has been classified by the National Historical Institute as a historical structure.

Festivities will also be held today in Kawit, Cavite, where a fiesta mass, novenas, and a caracol procession will be observed.

Commemorative rites will also be held in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental; Palanan, Isabela; and in Calumpit, Bulacan, where the “Libad” Festival will be celebrated.

Balanga (Bataan) Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said, “St. Mary Magdalene’s life is a reminder for us that for Jesus our past is not important. Whatever we did in the past or even if we lived a sinful life, to Jesus, we still have our name, our honor, and our chance to be the best of ourselves.”

A devoted disciple of Jesus, St. Mary Magdalene was mentioned in the Bible as the woman, who “filled with repentance, washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed them with expensive oil.” She stood with the Blessed Mother and St. John at the foot of the cross and remained until Jesus’ body was taken down and laid in a tomb.

She was also the first recorded witness of the Resurrection.