July 1, 2012
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