Do you know who Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, and Julian of Norwich named as their “mystical mother”?

It was the same woman who was honored as the “Master (Magistra) of the Apostles” in early Christanity - but who was later maligned in the West.

Mary Magdalene is our resilient mother, an example of fierce love and radical acceptance. It was she who stayed by Jesus’ side during the most harrowing time of his life. It was she who was chosen to be the first witness of his resurrection - named in all four Canonical Gospels.

How do we stay faithful and courageous in the face of fear and suffering? How can we endure loss without losing the capacity for hope? How can we bring healing to the world? Since the beginning of Christianity, Mary Magdalene has been a role model for all of these things.

In this masterclass, you will be treated to sumptuous visual imagery with music, text and legend, from cultural historian Kayleen Asbo, Ph.D. She will trace the history of contemplative practices of the mystics to the influence of Mary Magdalene and discuss The Gospel of Mary, an early Christian text recovered during the past century, in which Mary Magdalene's wisdom teachings reveal a powerful and inspiring message deeply needed in our time.

Learn more about this intriguing woman who was so influential for the first half of Christian history– and is now making a rousing comeback.