SAINT MARY MAGDALENE "Mercifully grant thy grace" Mary of Magdala was one of several women who followed Jesus and ministered to him in Galilee. The Gospels tell us that Mary was healed by Jesus, followed him, and was one of those who stood near his cross at Calvary. Mary was also one of the women who went to the tomb to mourn and to care for Jesus' body. Mary retired to the desert where she spent thirty years in penitence in a cave, refreshed by celestial food and the songs of angels who carried her daily up to Heaven. Her weeping for the loss of her Lord strikes a common chord with the grief of all others over the death of loved ones. Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the four Gospels as one of the most devoted followers of our Lord. She was the first to witness the risen Lord and the first messenger of the resurrection. Saint Mary Magdalene is known as the patron saint of reformed prostitutes. Emblems associated with Mary Magdalene are a boat, her hair worn very long and a pot of ointment. Saint Mary Magdalene was donated by: Raymond and Barbara Heitland in memory of Loved Ones Curt and Amy Smock in memory of Gifford and Marguerite Smock Robert and Nellie Jean Wendell in memory of Oscar and Florence Wendell and Percy and Florence Eynon