Looking for Mary Magdalene

This ethnography explores alternative pilgrimages to French Catholic shrines of Saint Mary Magdalene, examining the rituals, life stories, and spiritual practices of diverse pilgrims influenced by Neopagan beliefs and gender discourses.

Looking for Mary Magdalene by Anne Fedele presents a detailed ethnographic study of alternative pilgrimages to various French Catholic shrines dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Through over three years of immersive fieldwork, Fedele explores how pilgrims from diverse backgrounds, including Italy, Spain, Britain, and the United States, interpret Catholic symbols and figures. She highlights the influence of the transnational Neopagan movement on these interpretations, revealing a rich tapestry of spiritual practices that diverge from traditional Catholicism.

Fedele delves into the personal narratives of the pilgrims, examining the rituals they create and the spiritual literature they reference. This exploration sheds light on how these individuals craft their own spiritual experiences, drawing from a blend of Jungian psychology, Goddess mythology, and indigenous traditions. The book illustrates how these elements converge to form a unique spiritual framework that emphasizes the worship of divinities such as the Goddess and Mother Earth, while also celebrating the sacredness of the reproductive cycle.

The rituals performed by these pilgrims serve as a critique of both the Roman Catholic Church and the medical establishment, raising important questions about contemporary gender discourse. Looking for Mary Magdalene is a valuable resource for those interested in the intersections of ritual, spirituality, and pilgrimage, offering insights into how modern spiritual seekers navigate and negotiate their beliefs in a changing cultural landscape.