Jul 22 - “St. Mary Magdalene” © artwork by Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS.

Jul 22 - “St. Mary Magdalene” © artwork by Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS. Happy Feast Day St. Mary!

#saintmarymagdalene #trinitystores

Get your Saint of the Day - LIKE our FB Page - https://www.facebook.com/trinityreligiousart/

Saint Mary Magdalene has long been one of my favorite saints, especially at this stage in life, when I have come to know the pain of grief and the struggle to let go of a loved one who has died. This painting is filled with many symbols which help me understand her better as a soul friend. Mary Magdalene, dressed in purple, holds a wreath of flowers each of which has a centuries-old tradition of symbolic meaning in Christian art.

The flowers of the wreath are arranged like the face of a clock. On the outer edge of the wreath we see FORGET-ME-NOTS placed at the 12,3,6,and 9 o’clock positions. They are symbolic of fidelity in our love for Jesus. PINK CARNATIONS (1,4,7,and10 o’clock positions) are symbols of pure love and the wounds of Jesus. IMPATIENS (2,5,8, and 11 o’clock) are sometimes referred to as “Touch-me-nots” and thus refer to Jesus’ words to Mary Magdalene in the garden on Easter morning: “Do not touch Me, I’ve not yet ascended to the Father.”

On the inner circle of the wreath are PANSIES, symbols of reflectiveness; LILIES, the chief Easter flower and symbol of purity, immortality, and Christ’s Resurrection; and LILIES OF THE VALLEY, sometimes called “Eve’s tears”, which remind us of the fall and redemption of humanity. In the center of the wreath is a WHITE ROSE, another symbol of purity and, since it is opened in full bloom, of the Resurrection. But for all their beauty and fragrance, roses have thorns, reminding us that pain and grace go hand-in-hand. Surrounding the rose is a CROWN OF THORNS for Christ’s passion.

I have also used traditional symbols in numbers, especially six and twelve. SIX is the Christian number for completion because of the six days of creation. There are six varieties of flowers around the circle, and the lilies of the valley are in clusters of six. (The rose in the center makes for SEVEN flower types, seven being day of rest and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.)

The number TWELVE appears frequently as well, reminding us of time. (Twelve numbers on a clock, twelve months in a year.) It is the sacred number of completion and beginning again, such as the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. Saint Mary Magdalene is dressed in PURPLE, a sorrowful color. We see this color in Advent and Lent because it summons us to penance and reflection. Purple reminds us to wait in faithful diligence for the coming of our Incarnate God.

Across the top of the painting are words from Psalm 30 which sum up the theme of this work: “AT NIGHT THERE ARE TEARS, BUT JOY COMES WITH DAWN.” May Saint Mary Magdalene be a source of consolation to you in your grief and a shining example of how to move forward in love and hope.

Her feast day is July 22.