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Celebrating the Gift of Love and a New Feast Day
During the month of July, our Church celebrates an important annual anniversary that celebrates God's design for married love as well as a new Feast Day.
The week of July 24 through July 30 the Diocese of Palm Beach celebrates Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week. This week is celebrated as part of annual national educational campaign by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to celebrate God's design for married love and the gift of life, and to raise awareness of NFP methods. You can read more about this week, find USCCB resources and read a special message from Bishop Barbarito further down in our newsletter.
Our newest celebration will be on July 22 when for the first time our Church will celebrate the "Feast" of St. Mary Magdalene. Pope Francis elevated the observance from a memorial to a feast on June 3 in a decree titled "Apostle of the Apostles." In Bishop Barbarito's next Living the Truth in Love, Bishop Barbarito discusses the importance of Pope Francis' decision to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen from a memorial to the rank of a liturgical feast. Although nothing really changes in regard to the official day of the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen this increased ranking is quite significant for other reasons.
In this excerpt from Bishop Barbarito's column, he states:
"The decision of Pope Francis to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen to that of a liturgical feast certainly confirms the position of the Church in regard to the position of Mary Magdalene as the first to witness the risen Christ and who was entrusted with the message of announcing His Resurrection to the apostles. The decision likewise confirms her "witness of divine mercy" especially during this Year of Mercy and emphasizes the importance of women in the Church so essential in the ministry of the Lord himself."
In his column, Bishop Barbarito also discusses the other popes who have also had a great devotion to St. Mary Magdalene and what we, like the current and previous Holy Fathers, can learn from the story of Mary of Magdala.
Bishop Barbarito's Living the Truth in Love: The Apostle of the Apostles column will be published in this week's July 15th issue of the Florida Catholic newspaper.Just for our E-Newsletter subscribed readers, we are providing a "sneak peek" of this column. You'll find it at the end of this E-Newsletter.
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Raising Awareness about NFP
In the Diocese of Palm Beach, we answer the U.S. Bishops call to celebrate God's design for married love and the gift of life by celebrating Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week from July 24 through July 30. The theme this year is Natural Family Planning. Love, Mercy, Life. Opening the Heart of Marriage and was inspired by the Holy Father's call for a Jubilee Year of Mercy, a special time of grace in the Church wherein all, including married couples and families, are invited to open their hearts more fully to the unconditional love, mercy and life Christ and the Church offer us.
The dates of NFP Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (released July 25, 1968) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love and responsible parenthood. This year marks the 48th anniversary of the encyclical. The dates for NFP Awareness Week also mark the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne (July 26), the parents of the Blessed Mother.
Modern NFP methods are safe, healthy, effective and a very low cost way to plan your family. It also helps to build the marriage relationship and builds lifelong marriage. This longevity is something Bishop Barbarito discusses in his letter* to parishioners in support of NFP Awareness Week. In the letter, Bishop Barbarito also thanks married couples and encourages those who are thinking about marriage.
States Bishop Barbarito:
"...during NFP Awareness Week, I would like to thank those married couples who live out their marriage commitment to free, total, faithful and fruitful love. I encourage all married couples and those preparing for marriage to reflect on their current or future marriages and the way they can authentically and responsibly live out their parenthood. If you have not considered NFP, I encourage you to take a class and discover the richness of NFP. "
The diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life has an NFP Program. For resources, classes and additional information, please contact our coordinator Cindy Fulmer at 561-629-3889 or via email or visit our diocesan NFP web page at www.diocesepb.org/nfp
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Upcoming Diocesan Events
Below is a list of some diocesan events taking place this month and next. For more information on any event, please visit the diocesan online Events Calendar or Catholic Charities online Events Calendar.
July
Our Catholic Sunday Mass on TV
Dates & Times: July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 9:00 AM
Produced by the diocese, this Mass airs each Sunday on CW34 WTVX. Check your listings for the channel. Phone 561-775-9529 or visit www.diocesepb.org/tv-mass
Style For Life Fashion - Workshop #2
Dates: July 27 - 29
Location: St. Lucie Church, Port St. Lucie
This workshop teaches personal style and promotes self-confidence. The workshop ends in a Fashion Show Finale. Registration is required.
Contact: 772-878-1215.
World Youth Day 2016
Dates: July 26 - August 1
Location: Krakow, Poland
Participate from home in WYD. Pray for our diocesan youth, chaperones and young adults who will make this pilgrimage. Also watch the Masses and events via TV, internet, Facebook/Twitter and WYD App. Learn more at www.diocesepb.org/krakow & www.worldyouthday.com
Faith Community Nurse Meeting
Date & Time: July 29, Noon (12 PM)
Location: Holy Spirit Church in Lantana.
Catholic Charities Interfaith Health and Wellness Program will have a Faith Community Nurse Meeting in the all Saints Hall at Holy Spirit Church. This lunch meeting is open to the public. Sharon Ryalls, Ph.D is the guest speaker from the JFK Comprehensive Cancer Institute. To register or for more information, please RSVP to Trish Weaver-Monahan, Parish Nurse, at 561-303-8450.
For more information on any events listed, please visit the
diocesan online Events Calendar at
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Special Days Honor Grandparents
July 26 is the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of our Blessed Mother and grandparents of Jesus. A Prayer for Grandparents is below. In honor of the grandparents of Jesus, we invite all of our grandparents to SAVE THE DATE of Saturday October 22 for the Annual Grandparents Pilgrimage and Mass. This year's celebration which falls during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, will include a special pilgrimage trip, Mass celebrated by Bishop Barbarito and the opportunity to pass through the diocesan Year of Mercy Holy Doors to receive the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence. Details will be available later in August. Sponsored by the Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Marriage & Family Life and Diocese of Palm Beach Chapters of the Catholic Grandparents Association. ***
Prayer for Grandparents by Benedict XVILord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience. Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and roles of grandparents. May they never be ignored or excluded, but always encounter respect and love. Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them. Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care, accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers, grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland, where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen! LA ORACIÓN PARA LOS ABUELOS by Benedicto XVI Señor Jesús, tu naciste de la Virgen María, hija de San Joaquín y Santa Ana. Mira con amor a los abuelos de todo el mundo. ¡Protégelos! son una fuente de enriquecimiento para las familias, para la Iglesia y para toda la sociedad. ¡Sostenlos! Que cuando envejezcan sigan siendo para sus familias pilares fuertes de la fe evangélica, custodios de los nobles ideales, hogareños, tesoros vivos de sólidas tradiciones religiosas haz que sean maestros de sabiduría y valentía que transmitan a generaciones futuras los frutos de su madura experiencia humana y espiritual. Señor Jesús, ayuda a las familias y a la sociedad a valorar la presencia y el papel de los abuelos. Que jamás sean ignorados o excluidos, sino que encuentren respeto y amor. Ayúdales a vivir serenamente y a sentirse acogidos durante todos los años de vida que les concedas. María, Madre de todos los vivientes, cuida constantemente a todos los abuelos, acompáñalos durante su peregrinación terrena y con tus raciones obten que todas las familias se reúnan un día en nuestra patria celestial, dónde esperas a toda la humanidad para el gran abrazo de la vida sin fin. Amén!
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Tickets Now on Sale for Family Fun!
Family Fun Day ~ Connecting Family, Fun and Faith ~ returns in August! The Diocese of Palm Beach invites all of our faith family to join us on Saturday, August 20, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rapids Water Park in Riviera Beach. This Family Fun Day is fun for everyone, especially for the whole family!
There is Special Event Pricing! Ticket cost is $32.99 per person plus tax which also includes all day admission, 1 hour Luncheon Buffet and $5.00 off voucher for parking (Regular admission price is $45.99). Buy your tickets now!
For more details and to purchase tickets, go to the diocesan website at www.diocesepb.org/rapids and use the special event pricing code: keepitcatholic.
*When buying tickets online: Be sure to print and bring your $5 parking voucher to save half off the $10 cash only parking fee!
The deadline to purchase tickets at this discounted price is August 17.
This Family Fun Day is sponsored by the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life & Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Questions: contact Cathy Loh via email or at 561-775-9557.
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Coming Soon: Candidate Questionnaire Project & Voter Registration Deadlines
Are you looking for the Candidate Questionnaire Project? The Candidate Questionnaire Project (CQP) is a document that provides a summary of how the candidates running for office stand on several issues of importance to our faith community. These materials are produced and released each year by the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) and are approved by the bishops of Florida for use in parish bulletins or diocesan publications. Surveys or polls by outside organizations are not approved for distribution by Church entities unless prior approval has been granted by the local diocesan bishop or the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The FCCB plans to release a CQP for the upcoming elections - the August 30th Primary Election & November 8th General Election. Candidates that will appear in those elections have been sent the questionnaire. Candidates have a deadline to respond (August 2 for the Primary Election & Oct. 11 for the General Election). Summaries of candidate responses will be available for distribution in parishes shortly after the response deadlines. All returned responses will also be posted on the websites of the FCCB and the Diocese of Palm Beach's elections web page.
When the CQPs are released, you will be able to find it on the FCCB web site and on this diocesan web page. The diocese will also release them to parishes. We will keep you posted!
The FCCB has long conducted the CQP to assist Catholics and the broader community with the obligation to become informed voters. Knowing where the candidates stand on matters concerning human life and dignity and the advancement of the common good is essential to responsible faithful citizenship.
Candidate positions on issues are gathered for informational purposes only and are not used for endorsement of any candidate or political party.
Voter Registration Deadlines are Quickly Approaching
Now is a good time to register to vote -- if you are not already a registered voter. The deadlines are quickly approaching for those who want to participate in the upcoming Primary and General Elections. The Voter Registration Deadline is August 1 for those who wish to participate in the August 30th Primary Election. The Voter Registration Deadline is October 11 for those who wish to vote in the November 8th General Election. For more information, visit the website of the Florida Division of Elections at dos.myflorida.com/elections
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New Guide Released for Upcoming Elections
Approved by the bishops of Florida, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has released a new, updated version of the
Election and Political Activities Guide. Similar to its earlier version, it identifies guidelines and appropriate activity for parish and pastor involvement in election related activities. One of the changes to note in the latest version is the updated section on the guidelines for conducting Voter Registration Drives.
The new guideline and other resources to help our faith community discern their vote are available on the diocesan website or the FCCB website. Another resources available to you to help in the discerning of  politics and issues is the Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship from the Catholic bishops of the United States. Available in English and Spanish, this is a statement and teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics. This statement is a guide for Catholics in the exercise of their rights and duties as participants in our democracy. The U.S. Bishops urge pastors, lay and religious faithful, and all people of good will to use this statement to help form their consciences; to teach those entrusted to their care; to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue; and to shape political choices in the coming election in light of Catholic teaching. The statement lifts up our dual heritage as both faithful Catholics and American citizens with rights and duties as participants in the civil order. To view this statement & guide, please visit the USCCB web page: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
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Please click on the above image to make your donation now.
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Great stories on our faith can be found in the Florida Catholic. In every issue of our diocesan newspaper you will find good news on our ministries and Church from around our diocese, state, nation and world.
Our next issue comes out this Friday, July 15. Here's a few of the stories you will be able to read:- Be inspired by the story of one faith-filled man here who believes he was changed forever during a near-death experience and is now working for God with his best friend at his side, Sir Lancelot, whom some believe is a 'miracle dog.'
- Meet the new director of Catholic Charities Birthline/Lifeline.
- Learn about a role model and true servant of the Lord, who was memorialized here in June.
You can get our newspaper in print or enjoy reading it on your tablet or PC. For $26 a year, you can receive 24 printed issues sent to your home. Or get the e-edition subscription which is also affordable at $20 a year -- AND it includes three editions (Orlando, Venice and Palm Beach dioceses) for the price of one! Or get the print & e-edition -- both for just $35! Get your subscription started via our website or call toll free 1-888-275-9953.
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Around the Diocese - Upcoming Events
Below are just a few upcoming events occurring around our diocese and in other dioceses around the state. For more information on any events listed below, please visit the diocesan online Events Calendar or call the phone number listed for each event.
Investiture to the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel through the Brown Scapular
Date: July 16, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: St. Bernadette Church, Port St. Lucie
All are invited to participate in this very Spiritual Devotion to Our Blessed Mother on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There is no cost to participate. Registration is required & seating is limited. Learn about the importance and history of this on the event listing or contact the coordinator.
Contact: 561-622-0855
Divine Mercy Conference in July - English and Spanish Track Offered
All are invited to the Divine Mercy Conference Night of Blessings to be held Friday, July 22, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Juliana's Church in West Palm Beach. The theme will be "Come and Experience My Mercy" and will include many speakers/lead participants, Veneration of the relic of St. Faustina; healing prayer for the sick; Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; and music by the H.O.P.E. Music Ministry (He Opened Paradise for Everyone). This event's program will be in English. For more information, contact Gina and William Coakley at 561-386-8111 or Nuris Diaz at 561-577-0509 or view the event flier on the diocesan Events Calendar.
Congreso de la Divina Misericordia de Julio
Conferencia de la Divina Misericordia, Año Santo de la Misericordia se llevará a cabo en la parroquia de St. Juliana y en el colegio Cardinal Newman de Julio 22 al 24 el tema es: "Abandonate en mi Misericordia". La entrada es Gratis y el Almuerzo es $5.00. Los conferencistas, musica por Antonio Otapia, estará la Imagen de la Divina Misericordia desde Polonia; Bendición especial con la reliquia de Santa Faustina; Exposición y Adoración con el Santísimo. Para mayor información, llamar a Nuris Diaz 561-577-0509 o Joanna Sambrano 305-331-9559.
(Tres días: Viernes, Julio 22, de 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. en la parroquia de St. Juliana , 4500 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach; y Sábado Julio 23, de 8:30 a.m. - 6p.m. en el colegio Cardinal Newman, 512 Spencer Dr., West Palm Beach; y Domingo, Julio 24, de 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. en la parroquia de St. Juliana, West Palm Beach.)
Monthly Stations of the Cross for our Priests
Date: July 30, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Location: Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, PBG
Held on the last Saturday of the month immediately after the 8:30 a.m. Mass and devoted to all of our priests.
Contact: 561-371-1658
Tickets On Sale for Two Bus TripsIt's summer but St. Therese de Lisieux Council of Catholic Women is already selling tickets for two bus trips it has coming up in the fall because there are early deadlines. Both trips are open for all to attend. One will be a a Holiday Bus Excursion to Lakeridge Winery in Clermont on November 12. Deadline to reserve seats is November 5. The other trip will be on December 4 to travel to Ft. Lauderdale Baptist Church's Live Christmas Pageant. Ticket sales will be taken through September 17. For more details and to view the fliers, visit the diocesan online Events Calendar or contact Elizabeth Gesacion, CCW Chapter President, by phone at or via email
Special Notes about Meeting Changes of the CGA ChaptersDue to the July 4th holiday weekend, the monthly meeting of the Southern Deanery Chapter Meeting of the CGA was not held. The meeting schedule resumes on Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. All grandparents are invited to attend the chapter's meetings. For more information call 561-289-2640. Please also be aware that there is Central Chapter than meets monthly at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. This chapter is not meeting in July & August. Its meetings will resume in September. For more information call 561-622-2565.
Print/view the one-page Monthly Calendar Summaries:
*The events listed in the above documents were submitted in time to meet the diocese's publishing deadline. More information on any events listed and events that were submitted after the deadline can be found on the diocesan online Events Calendar.
August August 27Magnificat Ministry for Women Breakfast at the Hilton Palm Beach Airport in West Palm Beach. Guest speaker for the breakfast is Lois Mader, who will share how Jesus made himself present during a difficult time of her life and how He became her Savior, Lord, and Higher Power. Contact 561-797-2647 or via email or visit the diocesan online Events Calendar. Events in the Province/Around the State Women of Grace Weekend Retreat August 5 - 7 at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria Guest speakers include Johnnette Benkovic, founder of the Women of Grace Catholic Apostolate. The weekend includes Mass; Adoration; dynamic and inspiring talks; a Healing Service; Confession; and more! More info: 1-800-585-5452 or via email
Print/view the one-page Monthly Calendar Summaries:
*The events listed in the above documents were submitted in time to meet the diocese's publishing deadline. More information on any events listed and events that were submitted after the deadline can be found on the diocesan online Events Calendar.
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Diocesan and Catholic Charities Events
Coming Next Month
Next Fashion Workshop for Teenage Girls
The next Fashion Workshop for Teenager Girls will be held at August 3 at St. Mary Church in Pahokee. View event information.
New Choice Healing Mass Offered
A Healing Mass for women and men who have been hurt by the choice of abortion will be held on Friday, August 19, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Delray Beach. Confession begins at 6:00 PM with Mass following at 7:00 PM. All are welcome to attend as we discover the truth and restoration of God's healing promises. For more information, call Donna Gardner at 561-602-4778 or by email.
School of Christian Formation Classes Begin Soon
Summer break for the School of Christian Formation (SCF) is just about over. SCF classes will resume at several Churches around the diocese during the week of August 22. Class schedules for the 2016-2017 Program are now available on the diocesan website. Click here to view the schedules in English and Spanish on the SCF web page.. The SCF seeks to make its programs accessible to adult Catholics in the diocese who are interested in taking a few classes to learn more about the faith we receive at baptism, enhancing their preparation for ministry. It offers many different classes and programs in English and Spanish on different days of the week. Classes cost just $10 and provide introductions to the major topics and historical periods of the Catholic faith. For more information, call 561-775-9544 or visit the SCF web page.
Hope for a New Beginning: Information Night on Church Annulments
An Information Night on Church Annulments will be held on Tuesday, August 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jupiter. Many people have questions about divorce, annulments and marriage in the Church. Oftentimes these questions have been met with misleading, misguided or just plain wrong responses. Perhaps you or a family member, a friend or a co-worker needs sound, clear information in a welcoming environment. Come seek the truth! Reverend Albert Dello Russo, J.C.L., Tribunal Judge of the Diocese of Palm Beach, will provide clear and accurate information about annulments in the Catholic Church. For more information about this event, please contact Cathy Loh at the Diocese of Palm Beach Office of Marriage & Family Life at 561-775-9557.
Rachel's Vineyard Healing Retreat Planned for August
Experience the healing love of Jesus Christ during the a Rachel's Vineyard healing retreat. This retreat offers an opportunity to deeply enter into the grieving process and identify the ways your abortion or miscarriage may have affected you or a loved one. The next retreat is August 26-28 and will be held at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach. Discussions, spiritual exercises, prayer and reflection combined with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Memorial Service honoring your child and a beautiful Mass will help to heal the wounds of your past. Participation is strictly confidential and offers a unique opportunity to experience God's love, forgiveness and tender compassion. Both men and women are invited to experience this healing for their soul. Those from other faith backgrounds are welcome to attend. To register or for more information, call Donna Gardner, Coordinator of Rachel's Vineyard, Catholic Charities Office of Respect Life, at 561-602-4778. All calls are CONFIDENTIAL.
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In the Words of Bishop Barbarito
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Bishop
Gerald M. Barbarito
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Living the Truth in Love: Apostle of the Apostles
On July 22 we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart this year, June 3, Pope Francis declared that the celebration of this great saint would be inscribed in the Roman Calendar with the rank of feast rather than memorial as it formerly had. Nothing really changes in regard to the official day on which the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen takes place. However, there is a great difference in regard to the celebration of the liturgy for the feast day of St. Mary Magdalene. Before we reflect upon this saint whom St. Thomas Aquinas designated as the Apostle of the Apostles, it is good to understand how the celebration of saints is designated in the liturgy. We generally use the word feast to cover all levels of celebration but there are three basic categories which are memorial, feast and solemnity.
A memorial is generally the most common celebration for a saint which we encounter at Mass each day. There are two types of memorials - an optional one and an obligatory one. An optional memorial means that since it is the particular date to celebrate a saint, the Mass is generally celebrated for the saint but another Mass can be substituted. The Mass can be that of the particular day of Ordinary Time or any of the other celebrations for particular intentions outlined by the Church. If the memorial is obligatory, then the Mass for the saint cannot be substituted by another intention or celebration. The celebration of St. Mary Magdalene was, up to this year, an obligatory memorial, now it is a feast. A feast has more solemnity than a memorial and usually honors a mystery or title of Christ, of Mary, or celebrates a saint of particular importance such as an apostle, a certain martyr or a saint of great historical importance. A feast has its own particular readings and includes the praying of the Gloria. A solemnity is the highest form of celebration which, outside of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, is celebrated at Mass even when it falls on a Sunday. A solemnity has three readings, rather than the usual two, and includes the praying of the Gloria and the proclamation of the Creed.
Because Pope Francis has designated the celebration of St. Mary Magdalene as a feast, it points to an increased importance to her role in the life of the Church and as a model for all the faithful. This decision seeks to emphasize more deeply the importance and dignity of women in the life of the Church as well as in general. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of the New Evangelization to offer the opportunity to reflect more deeply upon the mystery of God's mercy. Pope Francis uses the designation of St. Thomas Aquinas, Apostle of the Apostles, for St. Mary Magdalene because of her being the first to see the risen Christ and of her announcement to the apostles of His message. This is what is most central to St. Mary Magdalene in the life of the Church, even though a great many traditions and legends have surrounded this great saint.
St. Mary Magdalene is prominent in all four of the Gospels. She was a follower of Christ, probably from Magdala, near Tiberias, on the west shore of Galilee. She accompanied Christ and ministered to him as a close disciple (cf Lk 8:2-3). Mary is identified in the Gospels as the one from whom the Lord had delivered seven demons (cf Mk 16:9; Lk 8:2-3). Misunderstanding has arisen in regard to St. Mary Magdalene because of this deliverance. She was present at the crucifixion of Jesus remaining at the foot of the Cross (cf Mt 27:56; Mk 15:40; Jn 19:25). She witnessed the placing of the Lord in the tomb (cf Mt 27:61; Mk 15:47). Her prominence is that she is the first recorded eyewitness of the empty tomb and therefore of Christ's resurrection (cf Mt 28:1-10, Mk 16:1-8, Lk 24:10, Jn 20:1). It is significant that all four Gospels record this reality and also significant that it was women who were the first to go to the tomb to pay their respects to the Lord. What is extremely significant is the account of St. John in which St. Mary Magdalene is the first to witness the risen Christ outside of the tomb. This moving account is one of great tenderness, so appropriate for this Year of Mercy, in which Mary does not at first recognize the Risen Lord but responds as He personally calls her name (cf Jn 20:11-18). Also significant is the Lord's commission to Mary, "Go to my brothers and tell them, 'I'm going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God' " (cf Jn 20:17). It is from here that Mary Magdalene went to the Apostles both as a witness to the Risen Lord and with the announcement of the Lord to them.
Of the many traditions which have arisen regarding Mary Magdalene, two of them are of a scriptural basis. Mary Magdalene is identified with the sinful woman who anointed Christ's feet (cf Lk 7:36-50). This is a very moving account of an unnamed woman in the Gospel of St. Luke which was just read a few Sundays ago. Another is the identification of Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha (cf Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11:1-14, 12:1-9). Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, Martha and Mary were close friends of Jesus. By the sixth century many, including Pope St. Gregory the Great, identified Mary Magdalene with the other Marys in Scripture. This identification influenced many western ecclesiastical authors as well as Christian art and liturgical texts. From the biblical point of view, while it is possible that the three Marys mentioned in the Gospels could be the same, there is no decisive evidence to establish this as fact. Avoiding these identifications, the Second Vatican Council clearly referred to Mary Magdalene in the liturgical reform as the first to be at the tomb and the first to witness the Risen Lord. She was in the words of Gregory the Great, the first "witness of divine mercy" as Jesus transformed her tears into joy at their meeting at the tomb.
The decision of Pope Francis to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen to that of a liturgical feast certainly confirms the position of the Church in regard to the position of Mary Magdalene as the first to witness the risen Christ and who was entrusted with the message of announcing His Resurrection to the apostles. The decision likewise confirms her "witness of divine mercy" especially during this Year of Mercy and emphasizes the importance of women in the Church so essential in the ministry of the Lord himself. This importance in the ministry of Christ is evident in the witness of many women who accompanied Christ in His ministry and who were the first to be at the empty tomb. The theology of the Second Vatican Council in regard to the liturgical emphasis of St. Mary Magdalene is well summed up in the opening prayer for the Mass in her honor: "O God, whose only begotten son entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection, grant, we pray, that through her intercession and example we may proclaim the living Christ and come to Him reigning in your glory." The decision to raise the celebration of St. Mary Magdalen to that of a liturgical feast has also included the inclusion of a new preface for the Mass of her feast. This preface will be translated into English by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for inclusion in next year's liturgical text.
Among many popes, including Pope Francis and St. John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is another with great devotion to St. Mary Magdalene. Of her he said: "St. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of the Lord who plays a lead role in the Gospels. ... The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth: a disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for His help, has been healed by Him, and has set out following closely after Him, becoming a witness of the power of His merciful love that is stronger than sin and death." These words truly sum up what underlies the decision of Pope Francis in regard to the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene.
Happy Feast of St. Mary of Magdalene, who is truly an Apostle of the Apostles!
Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito July 15, 2016
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Living the Truth
in Love:
Bishop Barbarito's Columns
The Heart of the Year of Mercy
June 10, 2016
Witnesses to Liberty
June 21, 2016
click to read
Read Other Columns Written by Bishop Barbarito
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Catholic News & Headlines
Cardinal Dolan and Archbishop Lori Call on Immediate Action by the U.S. House of Reps to enact the Conscience Protection Act of 2016
USCCB President Calls for Prayers, Reflection, Civility and Dialogue
read the story
Catholic Charities and Diocese Promote Fund to Help Orlando Shooting Victims
read the story
Abortion regulations struck down by U.S. Supreme Court distinct from Florida law
read the story
Pope Francis Names an American as New Vatican Spokesperson
Pope to Give WYD Pilgrims a Social Doctrine App
Here's Pope Francis' schedule for the Jubilee of Mercy
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A Family of Faith in Service to Others
View Bishop Barbarito's Message in Our DSA Video
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Official Diocesan Facebook Pages
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Resources & Prayers
Pray Daily for Our Diocesan Priests
view calendar and prayer
Pray Daily for Our Diocesan Deacons
view calendar and prayer
Daily Readings
click here to read
Prayer of the
Florida Catholic -
For the ministry of the Florida Catholic... that God will continue to utilize this ministry - as it has since 1939 - as a tool for evangelization and communication for the years to come.
We pray to the Lord.
The Florida Catholic Newspaper -
our faith news available electronically or
in print
Read the Florida Catholic (Palm Beach edition)
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Meditations
& Prayer
Prayer for WYD & WYD Pilgrims view the prayerJubilee of Mercy Resource: Monthly Meditations
Prayer to Avert Hurricanes
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TV & Movies
What Movies to Watch?
Before grabbing popcorn, read the Catholic News Services' reviews of recently released
and "older movies"
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Action Alerts
Sign Up to Receive Action Alerts from the Diocese of Palm Beach Sign Up to Receive Action Alerts from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops Sign Up to Receive Action Alerts from the USCCB |
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