Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus most celebrated disciples, famous for being present at his crucifixion and burial. She was also one of the women who accompanied and aided Jesus in Galilee. According to the Gospels, Mary Magdalene was the first witness to Jesus resurrection. After Jesus death, she stayed in Jerusalem for some time but left with her brother Lazarus when the Romans persecuted the church. Legends say that she took refuge in a cave near the Sainte-Baume mountains in southern France. The Catholic Encyclopedia relates a few differing stories about her later life, including that she retired to Ephesus with the Blessed Virgin and died there.

Mary Magdalenes character has been the subject of much confusion and controversy over the centuries. Pope Gregory I first pronounced her a "sinful woman" in the year 591, defying evidence to the contrary in the canonical Gospels. The idea that Mary Magdalene was Jesus wife has also been popularized in modern times. However, scholars believe that her connection to Jesus was spiritual rather than romantic.

In summary, Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus who witnessed his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Legends say that she later took refuge in a cave in southern France and died after receiving Holy Communion from a priest friend of hers who lived nearby. Her character has been the subject of much confusion and controversy over the centuries, but scholars believe that her connection to Jesus was spiritual rather than romantic.