Mary Magdalen

Mary Magdalene – Bernard of Clairvaux called Mary Magdalene “ the apostle to the apostles” because she delivered the good  news to them from Christ’s empty tomb. She is remembered by the church on July 22 and one  of her most well-known symbols is the covered vessel which carried the precious ointment used for anointing.  She  brought this ointment to Christ’s tomb after the Crucifixion and so she is also known as the “anointer” and the “perfume bearer”. In Christian art this vessel is often depicted as an elaborately designed covered, vase-like jar and the oil or ointment referred to is spikenard, a very costly aromatic oil from a plant in the Valerian family and worth a year’s wages. She was a faithful follower of Christ and remained at the foot of the cross after His death.