Although there is little information on what Mary Magdalene did after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is speculated that she traveled to France, where she lived in a cave for the remaining days. Forever a servant of God. It is important to note that Saint Mary Magdalene Tomb and the cave are not located in the same place. Nowadays, you can even visit the cliffs of Sainte Baume Mountain, where this cave is. At the cave entrance, you will be greeted by a Grotto statue of Mary Magdalene.
One of the most exciting things in the Christian world that people love to research and visit is where specific vital figures that shaped religion can be found now. Considered “one of the most precious [relics] in all Christendom” is the Mary Magdalene Tomb. The Basilica of Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, located in France, is where the tomb of Saint Mary Magdalene can be found.
Inside the cathedral, you may also find her skull. A sectioned relic that traveled a lot before being ultimately reunited. The skull of Saint Mary Magdalene is of great significance to Christians everywhere.
Why Is Mary Magdalene’s Tomb Important?
Saint Mary Magdalene is known as one of the most loyal followers of Jesus Christ. Even in a time of persecution when showing her love for Jesus was dangerous, she stood by His side, even after His death. At the same time, she was the first to discover that Jesus had risen and the first to talk to Him after his resurrection.
Considered the embodiment of loyalty, love, and strength, Mary Magdalene, the “Apostle of the Apostles,” is essential for Christians. And is still celebrated to this day on the 22nd of July every year.
Saint Mary Magdalene was buried by one of the friends, Maximin, who was also the first bishop of Aix, on the same ground that the Basilica of Mary Magdalene at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is now standing tall on, and where her skull lies, in the crypt. However, her burial site was a secret, hidden for centuries.
Finally, her remains were rediscovered when Charles II ordered excavations in 1279. It is said that her remains were intact, except for her jawbone. The jaw traveled to Rome, where it was venerated for centuries before Pope Boniface VIII returned it to St. Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, where it was reunited with the skull.
Alongside her remains, in Mary Magdalene Tomb, it is said that there was also another shocking discovery. The “Sainte Ampoule,” a vial made of glass that contained a mix of blood and the earth on which Jesus Christ bled, was collected by Saint Mary Magdalene after Jesus was crucified.
Why Is Mary Magdalene Tomb in France?
Mary Magdalene Tomb is in France because this is the country where it is speculated that she lived, in solitude, for the remaining years of her life, after the events that took place after that magical Easter night when Jesus rose to the sky. But unfortunately, only a little is known about the followers of Jesus Christ after His resurrection.
But it is known that they spread out worldwide, preaching about Jesus and His life. It gives people hope and makes them believe in God Almighty. It is the same case with Mary Magdalene. She was expelled from her homeland.
After her departure, she traveled to France, where she, along with the other apostles, became the first to carry Jesus Christ’s story to other lands and convert people to Christianity. She is nowadays also remembered by Christians everywhere for being one of the first evangelists.
The medieval town named Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume carries her enormous legacy. This small town is not exactly the most famous location in France. But it is popular among Christians. Multiple pilgrimages take place here all year round.
Suppose you love to go on pilgrimages, history, and small quirky towns that still give off that old-school feeling with less than 17.000 residents, and you have a thirst for learning more about your Christian origins. In that case, you will find that Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume checks every box in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Suppose you love to go on pilgrimages, history, and small quirky towns that still give off that old-school feeling with less than 17.000 residents. And you have a thirst for learning more about your Christian origins.
Can You Visit Mary Magdalene’s Tomb?
Millions of Christians have visited Mary Magdalene tomb throughout the years. Many religious people try to visit close to the 22nd of July, the day she is celebrated, on Feast Day Mass. Before this mass, people walked the streets with drums and flutes. And other instruments to alert the people of said mass.
After the mass, the Basilica holds a professional. And after you visit the Basilica where Mary’s tomb is, you can also visit the “grotto,” where it is speculated that she lived in solitude in the mountains. However, it would be best if you prepared for quite a walk. This grotto is located 10 miles away (16 kilometers) from her tomb.
There is only one way to reach the cave – hiking. Don’t worry, though, because the hike is not challenging. It only takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on how fast you keep the pace. And the path is wide and, for the most part, nicely shaded if you go in the warmer months.
It might come as a shock to those who need to become more familiar with Saint Mary Magdalene. But the cave is considered “Christianity’s 3rd most holy shrine.” The first holy shrine is Christ’s in Jerusalem, and the second is Saint Peter’s in Rome.
When you go visit the “grotto,” you need to remember it is considered a sacred place, and silence is preferred. Its guardians, the monks, have been protecting this cave since the 13th century.
Pilgrims from all over the world have gathered here since the 5th century. The path that you will be on is called “King’s Path.” Even King Louis XI visited Mary Magdalene Tomb, praying for a son that he eventually had a few years after he saw the grotto.
