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     Members of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) around the world today celebrate the memory of St. Mary Magdalen.  We revere her as the "first preacher."  The wider Church tradition has given her the title, "Apostle to the Apostles!"  Legend has her somehow finding her way eventually to France, where her relics are venerated under the charge of French Dominicans near Marseilles!  This devotional association between her and Dominicans even found its way into the remarkable tapestries in the cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA!  I was looking for St. Dominic's figure and when I found him, I looked to see who was the woman standing next to him, and it turned out to be St. Mary Magdalen!  I asked the rector of the cathedral if this was intentional and he said it was not!  Well.....she found a way to stand next to her promoters!

 

     Given this devotion, it is understandable why the female members of the Order of Preachers are making an effort to assert the importance of women preachers in the Church.  Canon law prohibits anyone who is not ordained from preaching the homily at the celebration of the Eucharist (although the local bishop may give permission on a case by case basis).  While this narrow restriction opens a wide field of opportunity for women to preach, it has the effect of denying women the opportunity to preach at the most important liturgical moment in the life of the Church.  In any event, I try to urge prospective women preachers to take advantage of whatever opportunity arises.  St. Mary Magdalen, St. Catherine of Siena and many other courageous female preachers in the history of the Church will serve as models and supporters.  I do hope the men of the Church, especially the ones who are ordained, will take the opportunity today to notice what Jesus asked Mary Magdalen to do, and follow his example!   AMEN