In Search of Mary Magdalene

Mom and Dad recently came over for a visit. This was their first time oversees and Dad’s first plane trip. They did great, but Dad kept a close eye out for any unusual terrorist like behaviors on the plane. I don’t think he slept a wink on entire flight.

The day after they arrived, Dad and I headed to the south of France to the region of Provence. We were in search of Mary Magdalene. Dad’s hobby (or obsession) is to understand the historical Mary, the Magdalene. It is believed that 12 years after Christ’s crucifixion, Mary landed in the town now known as Saintes Maries de la Mer. We traced her travels to St Maximim, and St. Baume. After the trip, I have no doubt that she was there and that her grave is at the cathedral in St. Maximim.



This was not your traditional vacation. We were on a quest. I could write about this trip for days, but I will let you read about it when Dad’s book is published. There were many highlights on this trip. Seeing the Crypt of Mary Magdalene at St Maximum was incredible, and staying at the Hotellerie de la Sainte Baume which is run by the Benedictine Nuns was great (except when one of the nuns gave me the evil nun stare for thinking I took her picture). Visiting the Grotto (cave) at St. Baume was a great walk; the grotto has been turned into a place of worship so you don’t really get the atmosphere of being in a cave. It is believe Mary spent the last years of her life in the cave. If she did, she was in pretty good shape because it is a serious hike.


There were two things that really stand above the rest. The first was the hike to the top of the mountain at St. Baume. It was a tough hike, but the summit was incredible. The second is seeing Dad at the beach. We were on a quest and we found something – just not Mary Magdalene. All beaches in France are "clothing optional," and in this case most of the women opted not to wear tops. It was a serious “American country boy in Europe” shocking moment.
- D.A.