April 9 + Saint Mary of Cleophas

Mary of Cleophas was one of the “three Marys” who followed Our Lord and stood at the foot of the Cross on Calvary when He died. She followed Christ during His ministry, His crucifixion and burial.

Due to the numerous Marys in the New Testament, extra care is needed to pick out Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and clearly see her role in Jesus’ life. By examining and comparing the Crucifixion scene as described by the different Gospel writers, most biblical historians have concluded that the Mary of Cleophas found in John’s Gospel was likely the same as “Mary, the mother of James and Joseph” found in Matthew’s Crucifixion narration as well as “Mary, the mother of the younger James and of Joses” found in Mark’s version. Mark further explains that Mary of Cleophas was one of the women from Galilee who had often accompanied Jesus during his mission and assisted him in his works.

After despondently viewing the death of their Lord, Mary of Cleophas and her Christian sisters from Galilee wanted to anoint Jesus’ body with spices. However, the Sabbath was rapidly approaching, so the women put the anointing on hold until very early Sunday morning and only then went to the tomb to tend to the chore. As Mary of Cleophas, Mary Magdalene, and Mary Salome approached the tomb, they were startled to see that the stone used for closing the burial location had been moved. As they entered the tomb, they were further amazed to see an angel of God sitting at the tomb (two angels according to Luke and John). This angel told the women that Jesus had risen and instructed them to go tell the disciples that Jesus was alive.

Some years later, Mary of Cleophas was put on a boat with others by the Jews in the year 47, and pushed out to sea without sails or oars. The island in France where they landed, after their miraculous journey from Jerusalem, is called Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer (“the Holy Marys of the Sea”), named for Saint Mary of Cleophas, Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Mary Salome.