Category:Relics of Mary Magdalene (subject)
According to Christian traditions, the Relics of Mary Magdalene are preserved in southern France, either in the Cluniac Abbey at Vezelay or at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
Overview
Since the 13th century, Vezelay and Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume have been competing as the location of the tomb of Mary Magdalene.
The Vezelay Tradition
In the 11th century the Cluniac Abbey at Vezelay [France] established itself as the center of the cult of Mary Madgalene in Europe. At first it was claimed that the relics of Mary Magdalene had been brought from the Holy Land either by their 9th-century founder-saint, Badilo, or by envoys dispatched by him. Later, when the legend physically connected Mary Magdalene to southern France, the remains of Mary Magdalene were said to have come from the discovery of her tomb in Provence.
A massive Basilica was erected in the 12th century to host the thousands of pilgrims. The discovery of the "authentic" tomb of Magdalene at Saint-Maxime in 1279 and the loss of the relics during the Reformation have seriously undermined Vézelay's position as the main shrine of Magdalen in Europe. Nonetheless Vezelay has remained to the present an important center of pilgrimage.
The Saint-Maximin Tradition
On 12 December 1279, it was announced that in the crypt of Saint-Maximin, a sarcophagus had been discovered which was proclaimed to be the authentic tomb of Mary Magdalene. The construction of the massive Gothic Basilique Ste. Marie-Madeleine began in 1295 and Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume successfully competed with Vezelay (see above) as the main center of veneration of Mary Magdalene in Europe. The legend said that she arrived in Southern France with her "brother" Lazarus and other followers of Jesus to start the evangelization of the country. The relics of Mary Magdalene are still today venerated in a tomb above an altar in the crypt.
Other Relics of Mary Magdalene
- Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City, Utah.
- The left hand of Mary Magdalene is kept in the Simonopetra monastery, Mount Athos.
In Depth
- Relics of Mary Magdalene (research) -- survey of scholarly works
External links
- [ Wikipedia]
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