The article explores the cave in France where many believe Mary Magdalene lived her final years. It likely discusses the historical and religious significance of the cave. The article may describe the cave's features and the evidence supporting its connection to Mary Magdalene. It could also touch upon the pilgrimage and tourism associated with the site.
18 days ago
La Sainte-Baume, a natural cave nestled in a rocky mountain in southeast France, is revered as one of the world's oldest Christian pilgrimage sites 2. It is widely believed to be the place where Mary Magdalene spent the final 30 years of her life in prayer and penance 2. The name "baume" originates from the Provençal word "baumo," meaning "cave" 2.
St. Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, identified by some Latin exegetical traditions with the penitent woman in Luke 7 and Mary of Bethany 2. She is highly esteemed as the "Apostle to the Apostles" and serves as a model of perfect conversion and a sign of hope for all sinners 2. The Catholic Church upgraded her liturgical celebration to a feast day in 2016 2.
The tradition of Mary Magdalene's presence in France is rooted in an oral account, documented in the 13th century by Dominican Blessed Jacobus Voragine 2. This tradition holds that she fled persecution, landed in southern France around A.D. 47, evangelized Marseilles, and then retreated to the cave 2. Before her death, she is said to have received Holy Communion from a bishop in Saint-Maximin 2.
The Sanctuary of La Sainte-Baume and the nearby Basilica of Saint-Maximin are under the care of Dominican friars from the Toulouse province, who serve as caretakers and evangelize pilgrims 2. The Dominicans consider Mary Magdalene a secondary patroness of their order, seeing her as an example for spiritual life and preaching 2.
In the 13th century, relics believed to be Mary Magdalene's were discovered in what is now the crypt of the Basilica of Saint-Maximin 2. These relics, which dating suggests belong to a first-century Mediterranean woman who died around age 90, were entrusted to the Dominicans in 1295 2. While some relics are kept in the cave, her skull is preserved in a gold reliquary at the Saint-Maximin basilica, where a community of Dominican sisters also resides 2. Annually, on the Sunday closest to July 22, a procession with her skull takes place through the streets of Sainte-Maximin 2.
The Dominican order's presence at the site was interrupted during the French Revolution, when the sanctuary was destroyed, but they returned in 1859 and rebuilt it 2. During World War II, the Dominican communities at Saint-Maximin and La Sainte-Baume were part of the French Christian resistance, with one friar even founding a school for Jewish and Christian orphan children hidden from deportation efforts 2.
Today, the friars run a hostelry for pilgrims at the foot of the mountain and offer various retreats, including programs for families with disabled children and women who have lost a child 2. They also have an "Ecole de vie" program for young adults 2. A friar is always present at the cave, which serves as a chapel, and novices and student brothers regularly spend time there as chaplains 2.
What is the Church's teaching on Mary Magdalene's sanctity?
Mary Magdalene is recognized by the Church as a saint, specifically honored as the "apostle of the apostles" and the first witness to Christ's Resurrection . Her feast day is celebrated on July 22 .
The Church's teaching on Mary Magdalene's sanctity emphasizes several key aspects:
The liturgical texts for her feast day reflect these aspects of her sanctity, praying that through her intercession and example, the faithful may proclaim the living Christ and come to see Him reigning in glory .