Mary of Magdala Celebration Planning Guides
In 1997, FutureChurch launched an international campaign to restore St. Mary of Magdala to her rightful place as the apostle to the apostles, asking supporters to sponsor special celebrations on or around July 22 at which a biblical expert would trace Mary’s unparalleled fidelity in accompanying Jesus through crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. This would be followed by a prayer service at which a woman would preside, preach and encourage attendees to reflect on their own encounters with, and witness to, the risen Christ.
Annual celebrations of St. Mary of Magdala exploded after that, going from 23 that first year, to 150 the following year to between 250 to 400 celebrations worldwide in each year since. Every summer, thousands of women and men help correct an egregious injustice done to a great woman leader in our church.
2025: Women Speaking Truth to Power
About this year’s celebration: Just as Mary Magdalene proclaimed the Divine Truth of Resurrection 2,000 years ago, women are proclaiming Divine Truths today. This year’s celebration features a liturgy of the word uplifting the voices of women who are writing or speaking out on pressing issues facing the Church and world. And FutureChurch program associate Olivia Hastie has written a beautiful guided meditation to help participants discover and embody the truth God is calling them to proclaim.
We invite you to host your own celebration, adapting this prayer service as necessary. FutureChurch has an extensive library of resources to help – including nearly 30 years’ worth of celebration guides, which provide everything you need – prayers, readings, and music suggestions – to plan your own celebration.