Saint Anselm's Prayer to St Mary Magdalene
Prayers and Meditations of St Anselm, trans. Benedicta Ward (London, 1973), pp. 201-6
Who is St Mary Magdalene?
Mary Magdalene, believed to be a Jewish woman who lived among the Gentiles, has historically been labeled as a prostitute or someone of questionable moral character in the context of Western Christianity. However, this characterization has been claimed as baseless and not found in the scriptures.
She is the patron saint of contemplative life, converts, glove makers, hairdressers, penitent sinners, people ridiculed for their piety, perfumeries, pharmacists, those facing sexual temptation, tanners, and women. Her Feast Day is July 22. (source: www.catholic.org)