According to Provençal tradition, Mary Magdalen was expelled from Palestine with others at the time of the first persecution of Christians in that country. Leaving with Lazarus and Martha, they arrived on the shores of France and preached the Gospel there. Afterwards, Mary Magdalen settled in the cave at La Sainte Baume near Marseille and lived a solitary life of prayer until her death.

May this beautiful saint of love and penance pray for us, and may God bless you this day.