The Apostles of the Resurrection invite you to pray with us a Novena to St. Mary Magdalene,
our Patron Saint, and the Apostle to the Apostles.
Day 8: Mary Magdalene, Apostles to the Apostles
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture: John 20: 18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Reflection:
One of St. Mary Magdalene’s titles is Apostle to the Apostles. To be an Apostle is to be one who is sent out. So St. Mary Magdalene was sent out by God to proclaim His Resurrection to His Disciples, the twelve to whom Jesus would soon give their own commission at the Ascension, after which they would be called His Apostles. Those twelve Disciples, however, were paralyzed by fear at this point; they were stuck at the crucifixion and didn’t remember or understand that Jesus said He would rise again. St. Mary Magdalene was therefore asked by the Risen Jesus to continue the ministry she had been doing when he was alive. He asked her to support His ministry, to remind His Disciples of the work he had asked them to do in His name, and to help them believe that He was indeed resurrected. St. Mary Magdalene would continue supporting Jesus’ ministry with her resources, her faith and her love for God, bringing His life and love to all, as the Apostle to the Apostles.
Prayer:
St. Mary Magdalene, you were sent out by Jesus to proclaim the Good News in a special way, by supporting those He had chosen to preach his Gospel, and by living your life for God. Pray for us, that, no matter what vocation God calls us to, we may proclaim Jesus’ resurrection in how we live our lives.
We offer this Novena today for all those struggling to live their faith in their daily lives.
Litany to Saint Mary Magdalene:
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, who art one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene
From whom seven demons were cast out, pray for us.
To whom many sins were forgiven, pray for us.
Inflamed with the ardors of charitable love, pray for us.
Very pleasing to the Lord, pray for us.
Most dear to Jesus, pray for us.
Disciple of the Lord, pray for us.
Who faithfully remained at the Cross, pray for us.
When the other disciples had fled, pray for us.
Who followed Jesus even to the Tomb, pray for us.
Who went to anoint his broken body, pray for us.
To whom the Angels spoke, pray for us.
You who first among the disciples were chosen to see the risen Christ, pray for us.
Apostle to the Apostles, pray for us.
Protectoress of the Order of Preachers, pray for us.
Gentle helper of penitents, pray for us.
So that we may merit to share one day the joy of being in His everlasting presence, pray for us.
Patroness of the Apostles of the Resurrection, pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, forgive us Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us Lord,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have pity on us Lord.
Pray for us, Saint Mary Magdalene,
That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
