Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

July 22, 2026

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

In 1986, when Saint John Paul II visited Australia, he stated as he was ending one liturgical year and beginning another with Advent, “We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” His rationale was reminding the participants that every day is a moment to revel in the paschal mystery, the dying and rising of Christ. Each day is Easter! Each day Christ comes to us from the tomb and says, “It is I, do not be afraid, nor cling to the past.”

So, in that spirit, the Church gives us solemnities, feast days, and memorials to keep the paschal mystery alive each day and focus on the resurrection. The late Pope Francis thought the evangelization work of Mary Magdalene deserved an elevation of her liturgical day, from memorial to feast day, because she witnessed a pattern of Eucharistic living: in our darkness and sadness, we must still go forth to seek the risen Lord; once we experience the risen Lord, we must go forth and tell someone, sharing the experience of of Christ.

Being baptized into the risen Christ, we must seek Christ and share Christ. Our hearts are to radiate this powerful encounter of knowing, believing, and sharing Christ with others. The Song of Songs echoes the way we are to seek Christ around every corner and crossing, and to live the love of God.

We have nothing to fear; we may not readily see Christ in the “cemeteries” of our feelings and life. We are called to seek and always share the Lord with others. We can’t hold on to the past either. Instead, because “we have seen the Lord,” we go forth to show others, “Christ is risen! Truly, Christ is risen!”

How will I make this day another Easter?

Prayer

My soul always thirsts for you, O God, as I live the paschal mystery. May today be an opportunity to live the Good News of Christ with an attitude of joy and kindness. When feeling despair and anxiety, may I trust that Christ may lead me to new paths that renew my spirit and open me to sharing the depths of your love. Renew in me your Holy Spirit and guide me always through Christ our Lord.