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Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love
Adoration is love, and eucharistic adoration is love of Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. In the Gospels there are few people who understand love for Jesus as well as Mary Magdalene, which is the reason she is a prophetess of eucharistic love. This work is an extended meditation on the life of Saint Mary Magdalene, known as the "Apostle to the Apostles" because the Risen Christ appeared to her first and then sent her to announce the Resurrection to the apostles. Based on the biblical texts traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene, this book helps readers to learn from her inspiring example and to enter more deeply into adoration of Jesus Christ truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. In telling the story of Mary Magdalene's profound conversion after the Lord had to expel seven demons from her soul, this book shows how she is a shining witness to the transforming power of an encounter with Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene is the perfect model for those who have experienced the redeeming love of Christ and who seek to deepen their devotion to him and to the Eucharist. "Saint Mary Magdalene reminds us of the need to recover the primacy of God and the primacy of adoration in the life of the Church and in the liturgical celebration."
— Cardinal Robert Sarah , Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Author, God or A Conversation on Faith
— Cardinal Robert Sarah , Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Author, God or A Conversation on Faith
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2017
121 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 28, 2023
This was not what I thought it would be! This book was a more narrative-based telling of the connection of stories in scripture to the life of this great saint (my beloved patroness!!). I learned a lot about the details of her life, what the church teaches to be true about her experiences with the Lord, and her role as missionary, Eucharistic, and devoted. I especially loved the way this book discussed her love for the living body of Jesus (as seen in scripture) models a love for the Eucharist- that blew my mind!! 4 stars just because I love Mary Magdalene and the Eucharist and I feel like I took a lot of knowledge from this book even if it wasn’t as contemplative as I anticipated it to be!
November 7, 2021
Wonderful book.
August 16, 2025
The book started off promising with some solid exegesis aimed at identifying who Mary Magdalene really was, though I wasn’t fully convinced by the argument. Unfortunately, the rest of the work didn’t live up to the chapter titles—it felt more like a collection of pious reflections. The author often stretched connections, especially in tying much of Mary Magdalene’s life to Eucharistic devotion, which didn’t always feel well-grounded.
August 7, 2023
A great little read for devotional purposes, and helpful during meditation. I do wish that a little bit more facts were put in there about Mary Magdalene's later years, but that's just my opinion. If you are looking for a book to help walk you through Eucharistic love, this is a great one to add to your shelf.
May 9, 2017
This story of St. Mary Magdalene had a major impact on me. Fr. Davidson, a member of the Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist, has done a beautiful and truly spiritual homage to St. Magdalene. My book is highlighted and sticky-noted throughout, and I was constantly reading aloud excerpts to my husband, as I marveled at the way Fr. Sean seamlessly wove the importance of Eucharistic Adoration with all we know of this saint who so adored Our Lord. As he lovingly referred to Mary as the Apostle to the Apostles, my heart was opened anew to the importance of Eucharist Adoration to the spiritual well-being of every Catholic, especially in this day and age. Thank you, Fr. Sean. I will be reading this again and again.
November 22, 2020
Outstanding work in St. Mary Magdalene. Perfect for reflection as it is written in short sections. Highly recommend.
December 13, 2017
Outstanding on every level. The first chapter was a bit slow, but then it took off. Rereading it again in order to take notes. I had no idea who she really was, and to think it's common knowledge in Italy!
November 12, 2019
Wonderful book! It's like one big long beautiful meditation. It has made some moments in the life of Our Lord so much more vivid to me. It is clear the author has a deep spiritual life.
August 16, 2023
What a beautiful, contemplative look at the conversion of Mary Magdelene and her abiding love for our Lord.
My womens prayer group read this book together and the conversations we had after each chapter made it even more beneficial. We were deeply moved, but also had many laughs as we talked about how most of us are Martha's, and while that's not always bad, there is much to be learned from Mary Magdelene. Ladies, I highly recommend inviting your prayer group or a few friends to read this book with you.
The focus on scripture, historical context, and input from the saints was well balanced. There was also the addition of feelings and thoughts that I'm not sure we can entirely attribute to Magdelene. I was at times uneasy about these. I prefer to stick to the scripture and historical context, but overall, I do think these reflections positively added to the impact of the writing.
Mary Magdelene really is the ultimate Cinderella story. Sinner with seven demons to beloved friend of Jesus. To be as devout and true to Christ as Mary Magdelene should be our prayer.
My womens prayer group read this book together and the conversations we had after each chapter made it even more beneficial. We were deeply moved, but also had many laughs as we talked about how most of us are Martha's, and while that's not always bad, there is much to be learned from Mary Magdelene. Ladies, I highly recommend inviting your prayer group or a few friends to read this book with you.
The focus on scripture, historical context, and input from the saints was well balanced. There was also the addition of feelings and thoughts that I'm not sure we can entirely attribute to Magdelene. I was at times uneasy about these. I prefer to stick to the scripture and historical context, but overall, I do think these reflections positively added to the impact of the writing.
Mary Magdelene really is the ultimate Cinderella story. Sinner with seven demons to beloved friend of Jesus. To be as devout and true to Christ as Mary Magdelene should be our prayer.
September 26, 2020
This was a beautiful book -- and the most in-depth one -- I've ever read about the life of St. Mary Magdalene, and her significant role in Jesus' life and mission. As a woman with a once-notorious reputation, Magdalene rose to the heights of spiritual beauty after encountering Christ. Hers is an experience we all should hope for as we seek God in our mess of a culture. I'm so thankful to Fr. Sean for writing this beautiful account of Magdalene's life. Would recommend to anyone seeking to learn more about Eucharistic devotion and a true conversion of heart. 3 stars due to occasional monotony, and some backstory I already knew quite well as a practicing Catholic, though I certainly understand why it was included.
October 27, 2020
What a beautiful book! This is one of my favorite books of 2020. St Mary Magdalene is one of my favorite saints, and I came into this book hoping to learn more about her. The first section was very informative, but the rest of the book is where the book really shines. It completely gripped me and moved my heart. It is contemplative, meditative, and simply inspiring and beautiful. Of course, the saints always reflect Christ, and so this book offers many deeply touching insights into the heart of Jesus and who He is as a Person, especially in the Eucharist. If you are looking to grow in love for Jesus in the Eucharist and to learn more about St Mary Magdalene, I cannot recommend this book enough.
December 11, 2017
This is a good devotional book that goes in depth into the person of Mary Magdalene and how her adoration of Jesus is a model of adoration of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist today. It is based on the "identity theory" that Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany (sister of Martha and Lazarus), the sinful woman who annointed Jesus with her tears, and the woman who annointed Jesus with the costly perfume, are all the same person, which was the common view in the West until modern times.
January 22, 2022
Read this book for our Faith Group book club discussion. At the beginning it seemed like a historical novel because it contains his thoughts about her that’s outside of biblical facts and implies that it is true. How would he know. But as time went on further in the book I found a much better and more beautiful attitude toward Mary and understand the author’s ability to open up a greater relationship between her and Eucharistic Adoration.
January 10, 2019
Mary Magdalene's life has been so misinterpreted (Da Vinci Code, anyone?). This book brings her back to her rightful place, as a devoted disciple of Jesus, the "apostle to the apostles", and, as the title indicates, the first to adore Jesus in a way that foretells Eucharistic adoration. A lovely, must-read book for anyone interested in Catholicism, Mary Magdalene, and/or the Eucharist.
July 21, 2023
“Magdalene would have done anything to be able to take away the pain of Christ Crucified but she knew that all she was able to do for him was to be present, to look and to love.”
This book started out strong and got weak in the middle. It’s a great inside look at one of the world’s greatest saints that not much is known about.
This book started out strong and got weak in the middle. It’s a great inside look at one of the world’s greatest saints that not much is known about.
February 2, 2024
Such a beautiful book! I loved the diving back into the life of amary Magdelene and imagining the initial meeting with Jesus and the intense look into his appearing to her after the resurrection. This book is fantastic. The first chapter was a little dry, but after that, I was completely swept away.
April 15, 2020
I’ve always loved Mary Magdalene so I picked up the book to learn a little more. Wow. I am SO thrilled I did! This was an amazing book and not only increased my love for Mary Magdalene but also my love for the Lord!
January 14, 2022
Interesting read, but a bit cumbersome. Author takes a long time to get to a point and repeats a lot of information, but I thoroughly enjoyed the arguments regarding Mary M. and learned a lot about her
February 5, 2021
An incredibly beautiful and meditative book
February 9, 2021
Very well written. A truly pleasant read.
June 30, 2021
Fantastic insight into the life of a Saint I should have known more about.
We read this as part of a men's book study over about 9 weeks and the feedback across the group was a resounding 5 stars.
We read this as part of a men's book study over about 9 weeks and the feedback across the group was a resounding 5 stars.
August 8, 2023
An incredible book, I could not put down. This made me want to read more and learn more about St. Mary Magdalene.
St. Mary Magdalene, ora pro nobis.
St. Mary Magdalene, ora pro nobis.
January 24, 2024
This book is a fantastic read about Mary Magdalene. Through the author's usage of Biblical texts and Church Fathers, Fr. Davidson's portrayal of Mary Magdalene is intimate yet firm. Well done!
March 15, 2024
Never thought I could come to know this much about a woman in the Bible who had great significance, although was little written about.
June 3, 2024
God lead me to dive into the life of Mary Magdalene for my lenten journey. This book will walk through the life of Mary Magdalene so that you can run to the tomb Easter Sunday just as she did!
October 26, 2024
Saint Mary Magdalene
Wonderful book of one women’s conversion, thankfulness and love of Jesus with lessons on how to “choose the greater thing.
Wonderful book of one women’s conversion, thankfulness and love of Jesus with lessons on how to “choose the greater thing.
December 21, 2024
A must read.
April 18, 2025
One of my favorite books ever.
August 3, 2025
This book was really wonderful, making a convincing argument for the identify of Mary Magdalene and yet being entirely readable and uplifting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews