The figure of Mary Magdalen has fascinated Christians down the centuries. Recent feminist analysis has separate out the Biblical story from the later legends, but the legend itself shows Mary, not only as a penitent but also as a missionary preacher who as far back as medieval times opened the possibility of an apostolic preaching role for women. The Revd. Canon Dr Jo Spreadbury is Canon Precentor at Portsmouth Cathedral. She studied classics at Oxford, and completed a doctorate at King’s College, London on the origins, development, and influence of the medieval legends about St Mary Magdalen as preacher and apostle.
