Möge das kollektive Erwachen der weiblichen Kraft sich weiter entfalten – durch die Verbindung von inneren und äußeren Wegen in jeder/jedem von uns.

May the collective awakening of feminine power continue to unfold through the conjoining of inner and outer paths in each of us.

Hier geht es zu dem ganzen Artikel (in deutsch) mit Bildern in den newslichtern

„Dona nobis pacem – Schenke uns den Frieden“

 

 

The way to Mary Magdalene

– Impressions from the Provence by Judit Hildebrandt and Sabine Langenscheidt.

We are living in the 21st century, in the year 2014 after Christ’s birth. This November, in Provence, in the south of France, we embark on an inner and outer journey to Mary Magdalene. After 2000 years, the story of Mary Magdalene is being examined, revived and directly felt in new ways: Often portrayed as a sinner by the Church, Mary Magdalene is recognized and appreciated today as the Apostle to the Apostles and close disciple of Jesus Christ. She was with him – beyond his death – and proclaimed his resurrection and the mysteries.

14 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, she was put in a boat with other Christians and stranded on the south coast of France (Sainte-Marie-de-la-Mer). Mary Magdalene taught the secret Gospels and is today considered the founder of the “New Church”.

Further inland, in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, there is a pillar at the edge of the road in their memory. According to the “Golden Legend,” shortly before her death she descended from the grotto high up in the mountain massif, through the forest into the valley, and met Bishop Saint-Maximin. There, where the altar is located in the basilica today, she received her last Holy Communion and died in the arms of St. Maximin. July 22nd (in the year 72 according to our calendar) is accepted as the day of her death and Church feast day.

 

Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine

We stay overnight in the former monastery with a view of the Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine.

 

Inside the largest Gothic church in Provence, we discover many impressions of Mary Magdalene and spend some time in the interior spaces in front of the altar and in the side aisles.

Beneath the basilica is the crypt of Mary Magdalene. Her relics are preserved and revered here. It is an important power place that moves us deeply.

 

 

 

After another night in the monastery we drive by car up to the plateau Plan-d’ Aups-Sainte-Baume. From the car park near the Hostellerie we see the mountain massif and follow the King’s Way. This trail takes us (approx. 45-60 minutes) through the dense, mysterious and sacred forest up to the grotto.

 

 

Mary Magdalene wandered and preached in these places and in the woods surrounding the mountain range. After some months she sought a place of silence and retreat and found this place in the high cave in the mountain massif. Today there is a wall with a door and church windows in front of the cave opening. The monks who care for this holy place hold a daily mass in honor of Mary Magdalene.

Inside this damp stone grotto is an altar and several statues on two levels. We pause and absorb the energy and information of this dark grotto, which feels permeated with light.

Being “touched” by the everlasting presence and wisdom of Mary Magdalene is an intense experience – then and now. It symbolizes the true meaning of inner “religio” (holiness) in our hearts.

It is said that Mary Magdalene lived alone in the grotto without solid food for 30 years. She was rapt in prayer, meditation and contemplation. Mary Magdalene was lifted up to Mount Pilon by angels 7 times a day, listening to the chanting of the angels and receiving a form of communion in the “heavenly spheres.”

 

Chapel of St. Pilon

Walking from the grotto on foot along a stony path to the top of the cave, we climb up to the top of the mountain where the small chapel of St. Pilon (at 994 m) was built. There is a beautiful panoramic view of the sea, valleys, forests and mountains. On some days it is possible to look far beyond the sea to the coast of Africa, and further east to Palestine.

Beyond words, our hearts rejoice in the inner connection with Mary Magdalene.

May the collective awakening of feminine power continue to unfold through the conjoining of inner and outer paths in each of us.

We wish all readers of Newslichter (a German-language online magazine focusing on good, positive news) and our dear Bettina Sahling a blessed Christmas season.

“Dona nobis pacem – Give us peace”