A novena to St. Mary Magdalene is nine days of prayer asking the intercession of the faithful disciple from whom Jesus cast out seven devils, who followed him in Galilee, stood beneath his Cross, and on Easter morning became the first witness of his Resurrection, sent by him to tell the apostles; for this she is called the “Apostle to the Apostles.” It is traditionally prayed from July 13 to 21, ending on the eve of her feast on July 22, which Pope Francis raised to a feast in 2016. It is a good novena for conversion, for those who grieve, and for anyone who seeks the risen Lord. Each day is a Gospel passage about Mary Magdalene.
A short prayer to St. Mary Magdalene, written for this page:
St. Mary Magdalene, Jesus set you free and you loved him faithfully to the Cross and the empty tomb.
Pray for me in my need: (name your intention).
Help me to seek Jesus with all my heart and to tell others that he is risen. Amen.
How to pray the novena
- Make the Sign of the Cross and name your intention.
- Read the Gospel passage for the day.
- Pray the short prayer above.
- End with an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.
Day 1: Set free
Luke 8:1–2 (Douay-Rheims):
And it came to pass afterwards, that he travelled through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God; and the twelve with him:
And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary who is called Magdalen, out of whom seven devils were gone forth,
Intention: for all who are bound by sin, addiction or evil.
Day 2: Serving the Lord
Luke 8:3 (Douay-Rheims):
And Joanna the wife of Chusa, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto him of their substance.
Intention: for all who serve the Church with their time and gifts.
Day 3: She loved much
In the Western tradition Mary Magdalene was long identified with the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet; modern scholars usually distinguish them, but the words of Jesus to that woman have always been read on her feast (Luke 7:47, Douay-Rheims):
Wherefore I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less.
Intention: for a grateful, loving heart that knows it is forgiven.
Day 4: At the foot of the Cross
John 19:25 (Douay-Rheims):
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen.
Intention: for the grace to stay with Jesus in suffering.
Day 5: At the tomb
Matthew 27:61 (Douay-Rheims):
And there was there Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre.
Intention: for all who grieve.
Day 6: Early in the morning
John 20:1 (Douay-Rheims):
And on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalen cometh early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre; and she saw the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
Intention: to seek the Lord early and eagerly.
Day 7: Weeping
John 20:11–13 (Douay-Rheims):
But Mary stood at the sepulchre without, weeping. Now as she was weeping, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
And she saw two angels in white, sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been laid.
They say to her: Woman, why weepest thou? She saith to them: Because they have taken away my Lord; and I know not where they have laid him.
Intention: for those who feel that God is absent.
Day 8: “Mary!”
John 20:14–16 (Douay-Rheims):
When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing; and she knew not that it was Jesus.
Jesus saith to her: Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, thinking it was the gardener, saith to him: Sir, if thou hast taken him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
Jesus saith to her: Mary. She turning, saith to him: Rabboni (which is to say, Master).
Intention: to hear Jesus call me by name.
Day 9: Apostle to the apostles
John 20:17–18 (Douay-Rheims):
Jesus saith to her: Do not touch me, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethren, and say to them: I ascend to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God.
Mary Magdalen cometh, and telleth the disciples: I have seen the Lord, and these things he said to me.
Intention: for my intention, and for all who proclaim that Christ is risen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the feast of St. Mary Magdalene?
July 22. In 2016 Pope Francis raised her memorial to a feast, the same rank as the feasts of the apostles.
Why is she called the Apostle to the Apostles?
Because the risen Jesus sent her to announce his Resurrection to the apostles (John 20:17–18).
What is St. Mary Magdalene the patron saint of?
Converts, penitents, women, hairdressers, perfumers and contemplatives.
More prayers
- St. Mary Magdalene prayer
- Easter
- Catholic Easter prayers
- Patron saint of women
- Novenas
- Saint feast days
Texts and sources
- Luke 8:1–3 and 7:47; John 19:25; Matthew 27:61; John 20:1, 20:11–18 (Douay-Rheims).