Mary Magdalene

Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume (week 10)

Provinçal legend holds that the Three Marys (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Mary Clopas), along with other followers of Jesus, were forced to flee the holy land and ended up near Marseille, where they worked to convert the locals to Christianity.  When Mary Magdelene died, St. Maximinus created a crypt for her, containing a variety of relics.  This crypt was re-discovered in 1279 by King Charles II of Naples, who commissioned a cathedral and abbey (including a residence for pilgrims) to be built on the site.  This cathedral is in the modern-day town of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, which is about a 10-minute drive down the road from Puyloubier.

Mary Magdalene's skull

As you can see from the picture, the cathedral is in dire need of restoration.  What you can't see is that the restoration is underway, starting from the alter area (at the opposite end from the entrance shown in the picture).  Mary Magdelene's sarcophagus is also much the worse for the wear, as pilgrims tended to break off pieces as souvenirs.  Her skull is encased in a gold and glass vessel on display above the sarcophagus.  According to one guide book, this is the third-most important tomb in Christianity, after Jesus's and Peter's.  You wouldn't know it based on the condition of the building or the lack of promotion.

If we may offer an editorial comment: this particular holy relic very creepy.