During the recent Encounter Magdala 2025, we were blessed with the “presence” of two magnificent patron saints: Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Teresa of Jesus—one of the great mystics and reformers of the Spanish Carmel. By divine Providence, first-century Magdala and sixteenth-century Ávila were spiritually united for a few days of the twenty-first century through these two holy women—not only so we might feel their companionship, but also to reflect on the connection between them.

From the earliest days of the Church, Mary Magdalene has been, and continues to be, a powerful and inspiring figure for many saints. She is a model of healing, conversion, and unconditional love for Christ. One such soul was Teresa of Jesus, who from childhood showed deep interest in the lives of the saints—reading about them, imitating them, and allowing their witness to lead her ever closer to the one true Model: Christ Himself. Throughout her writings, Teresa references no fewer than thirty-two saints, many of whom she admired especially for their journey of conversion.

Among her most beloved devotions was Mary Magdalene. In her Book of Life, Teresa writes:

“I was very devoted to the glorious Magdalene, and often reflected on her conversion—especially after receiving Communion. Knowing that the Lord Himself was truly within me, I would place myself at her feet, believing my tears would not be rejected. I knew not what I said, but it seemed much that He allowed me even to shed them. So quickly would I forget such a holy feeling… And I would entrust myself to this glorious Saint, asking her to obtain forgiveness for me” (Life 9, 2).

Later she adds:

“And often it seems to me that the soul is not immediately ready for full surrender—until the Lord gradually forms it, strengthening it with a manly courage, until it casts everything aside entirely. As He did with Magdalene swiftly, He does the same with others, in accordance with how much they allow His Majesty to act. We can hardly believe that even in this life, God gives a hundredfold” (Life 22, 15).

In The Way of Perfection, another of her works, she writes:

“Oh, the love of God—if it is truly love, it is irresistible! Look at Saint Paul, look at Magdalene: in three days, he came to realize he was lovesick—this was Saint Paul. Magdalene, from the very first day! And how well she understood it! For love reveals itself in proportion: little love, little light; great love, great light. But little or great, as long as there is love for God, it will be known” (Way of Perfection 40, 3).

These words reveal the deep reverence Teresa held for the Saint of Magdala, whom she viewed as a symbol of transformation through divine mercy—a model of conversion and contemplation, for she gave her life to listen to the voice of the Master.

Teresa herself underwent a profound interior renewal, one that led her to follow Jesus with unwavering resolve, becoming a woman wholly in love with the Lord.

May Saint Mary Magdalene also be an inspiration for you—to encounter Jesus and to follow Him with the same devotion and faithfulness as Saint Teresa of Jesus.