Today, May 25, is not just Christianity's Day of Ascension, celebrating the day that Jesus bodily went to Heaven, and the day that a comet may (or may not) fall into the ocean, destoying all those who failed to flee the Atlantic coastal areas.

May 25 is also the feast day of Saint Mary Magdalen. No, not that Mary Magdalene. At least we don't think so.

Originally named Catherine, she joined a convent at age 14, only to have her parents take her back home to marry into a wealthy home. She refused, and took the name of Sister Mary Magdalen when she became a Carmelite of the Ancient Observance at the age of 16.

She led a hidden life of prayer and self-denial, praying particularly for the renewal of the Church and encouraging the sisters in holiness. Her life was marked by many extraordinary graces.

Saint Mary Magdalen de Pazzi (1566-1607) is the Patron Saint of sick people and of sexual temptation.

Image: Sister Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, from the Patron Saints Index

Mary Magdalene | Jesus Christ | Mary Magdalen | Catholicism | Saints | Religion | Christianity