Beloved Mary Magdalene

Image: Mary Magdalene's Healing Garden by Tanya Torres, Oil on canvas, 8" wide by 10" high, 2021.

Dear Magdalene sisters and brothers,

While in Puerto Rico, I started learning about gardening. I planted chamomile, lavender, echinacea, lemon balm and mint. Every morning, I watered the seeds and then the little plants. Some grew. I gave up on the mint and the lavender, but one day, little mint leaves started growing. It all felt so miraculous even though I know this is something natural that humans do regularly: plant a seed, grow a plant.

I would also paint in the morning, sometimes watercolor, sometimes oil. I finally managed to finish one painting. I only had a couple of hours each morning for everything I wanted to do.

Today, I want to share with you the painting, titled Mary Magdalene's Healing Garden. Mary Magdalene is the saint of flowers, and she also holds the alabaster jar full of precious perfume. In the same way, she brings gifts of beauty and healing to our souls as we learn about her, about her stories, her mythology, her truths, our truths.

I couldn't celebrate this year in a grand way with the Mary Magdalene Celebration, but I hope you will join me in celebrating her today by enjoying a healing moment with this image, and imagining a beautiful and fulfilling life. That's where it all starts.

I send you Magdalene Blessings of Love, Peace and Joy, and look forward to creating a beautiful, fulfilling and highly creative Magdalene year starting today.

Your artist,

Tanya