Patron Saint of Penitents

Category: Spiritual Life & Devotion

St. Mary Magdalene, who according to the Gospel accounts was present at the crucifixion and the empty tomb and was the first to see the Risen Christ, has been associated in Western tradition with penitence since at least the time of Pope Gregory the Great (d. 604). She is invoked by those seeking forgiveness and returning to the faith. Her feast day is July 22.

St. Margaret of Cortona, a 13th-century Franciscan tertiary who underwent a dramatic conversion after years of living with a nobleman and bore an illegitimate son, became one of the most revered penitent saints of the medieval West. Her feast day is February 22.

Patron Saint of Penitents

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Mary Magdalene

Feast Day
July 22

Saint Mary Magdalene is invoked as patron of penitents. Saint Mary Magdalene (Mary of Magdala) is presented in the Gospels as the woman from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9), who followed him from Galilee with a number of women providing for him and his disciples out of their resources (Luke 8:1-3). She stood beneath the Cross with the Mother of Jesus and the beloved disciple (John 19:25, Matthew 27:56, Mark 15:40), watched the burial of the Lord (Matthew 27:61, Mark 15:47), and on Easter morning was the first witness of the empty tomb and of the risen Christ.The Gospel of John (20:1-18) records the most personal of these encounters: weeping at the tomb she sees Jesus, mistakes him for the gardener, and recognizes him only when he calls her by name, Mary. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20160603_decreto-santa-maria-maddalena_en.html.

Read full biography of Saint Mary Magdalene →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of penitents?

Saint Mary Magdalene is the primary patron saint of penitents. Their feast day is July 22.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Mary Magdalene's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Mary Magdalene, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.