Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer is a city in south of France with an interesting story. It tells a story of the Maries that came from the ocean, to start a new life in France. Except for Mary Magdelene it could also have been Marie Jacobé and Marie Salomé. According to Catholic tradition, Mary Magdelene is not mentioned at all, since they describe her as a prostitute. But according to Nag Hammardi, the scriptures that was found the same time as the Dead Sea Scrolls - but hidden by the church - Mary Magdalene was not only the first Woman Apostle but indeed the wife of Jesus.
Beautiful enough not only Catholics celebrate this story, but also Romani group living there. Every month of May they take the old statues of the Maries and “dip” them in the ocean.
It makes sense, to me, that Mary Magdalene that was so often mentioned also was more important than what is said, but the easiest way for me is to refer to Anne Baring, one of the most knowledgeable in this area.
I would instead want to imagine how these women started their journey from Jerusalem, on a boat where they probably passed by Crete, Sicily and Sardinia before they arrived in France. That is a true leap of faith. To leave your home or your familiar to go to completely unknown, in a time that has no phones, no credit cards, no hospital, no insurance company, no customer service at travelling agency… ;)
You leave and probably you will not return, and never again see loved ones. You will never again know what will happen to your sister, your mother, your best friend… Well, of course leap of faith tells you physical life is not the end, but still. In this physical life, that might go on 10-20-30-40+++ years more, you will probably not see your loved ones again. Instead, you are leaving for unknown country, because you believe you should.
So I look at the Maries and I feel love and awe and appreciation. And I love the Romani group that performs the ritual every year. From the church to the sea, instead of inside the church (for a selected few). Everybody is welcome to join the walk to the ocean. Let’s meet there 2022!
PS: A must-read: Anne, grandmother of Jesus by Claire Heartsong