Saint Mary Magdalene was only decided to have been a prostitute some three centuries after her death. Christ’s acceptance of a prostitute would, of course be a positive expression of his infinite forgiveness.
In 1969, the confusion of Mary Magdalene with Mary of Bethany was clarified and the description “sinful woman” was removed from the General Roman Calendar. But the view of her as a former prostitute has persisted in popular culture. Mary Magdalene is considered to be a saint by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Her feast day of July 22.
24 of 45
