On June 10, 2016, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a decree (Apostolorum apostola), by which, in accordance with the will of the Holy Father, it was established that the liturgical celebration of Saint Mary Magdalene, observed on July 22, will be elevated from an obligatory Memorial to the rank of Feast.  In an accompanying commentary, Archbishop Arthur Roche, Secretary of the Congregation, indicated that this “decision is situated in the current ecclesial context, which calls upon us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of women, the new evangelization, and the greatness of the mystery of divine mercy.”  The observance of this Feast began on July 22 of this year.

The USCCB’s Secretariat of Divine Worship has additionally announced that the following changes have been made to the proper texts for this Feast:

-The Gloria is sung or said at Mass;

-The proper readings for Saint Mary Magdalene in the Lectionary for Mass (no. 603) should be proclaimed in place of the readings for the weekday in Ordinary Time; and,

-In the Office of Readings, the psalmody, verse, and First Reading with its Responsory are taken from the Common of Holy Women instead of the usual day.  Additionally, the Te Deum is sung or said after the Second Reading with its Responsory.

The Holy See has also promulgated a new Preface in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene.  At this time, the Preface is only available in Latin.  The drafting and approval of the English and Spanish translations of this new text will most likely require a year or two for completion.  In the meantime, Preface I or II of Saints may be used.