It was announced on June 10, 2016, that Pope Francis decided to raise the celebration of the memorial of St. Mary Magdalene (July 22) to the dignity of a liturgical Feast. In the modern Church calendar, saints may be commemorated with a memorial (optional or obligatory), feast, or solemnity. The decree was signed on 3 June 2016, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.
Mary Magdalene was the first witness to the Resurrection, and is the one who announced the event to the Apostles. She is an example of true and authentic evangelization; she is an evangelist who announces the joyful central message of Easter.
Pope Francis made decision in the context of the Jubilee of Mercy to signify the importance of this woman who showed a great love for Christ and was much loved by Christ. Mary Magdalene was referred to as the «Apostle of the Apostles» (Apostolorum Apostola) by Thomas Aquinas, since she announced to them the Resurrection, and they, in turn, announced it to the whole world.
It is only right that the liturgical celebration of this woman has the same grade of feast given to the celebration of the apostles in the General Roman Calendar, and shines a light on the special mission of this woman, who is an example and model for every woman in the Church.
