MARY MAGDALENE

The penitent sinner in the New Testament who anointed Jesus with oil before the Last Supper, who was at the foot of the Cross at the Crucifixion and who was first to see Him after the Resurrection. Has a cult following particularly in France. Gnostic Gospels give her far more importance - the woman “who knew the All”, the constant companion, possibly even the wife of Jesus. Tradition has it that, after the Crucifixion, she came to southern France, lived in a cave for 33 years dressed only in her hair and, after her death was buried at St. Baume. Current research suggests she may have a closer connection with the history of the Languedoc.