Mary Magdalene's Bone at La Madeleine
A bone of the resurrection witness, preserved in Paris's temple-church
Paris, Île-de-France, France
Plan this visit
Practical context before you go
Part of 30-60 minute church visit
To right of altar, against south pilaster, at La Madeleine church, Place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement, Paris
At a glance
- Coordinates
- 48.8687, 2.3212
- Type
- Relic
- Suggested duration
- Part of 30-60 minute church visit
- Access
- To right of altar, against south pilaster, at La Madeleine church, Place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement, Paris
Overview
In the great neoclassical church that Paris dedicated to Mary Magdalene, a reliquary near the altar holds what is claimed to be a bone of the saint herself. She who first saw the risen Christ, who ran to tell the apostles 'He is risen,' is made present through this relic—one of many fragments scattered across France from the woman tradition says preached thirty years in Provence.
Mary Magdalene stood at the cross when others fled. She came to the tomb on Easter morning. She was first to see the risen Christ, first to proclaim resurrection. 'Apostle to the apostles,' tradition calls her—the one who announced the good news before the apostles could believe it.
The reliquary at La Madeleine connects Paris to that presence. A bone—its exact identity undocumented, its provenance unclear—is claimed as a fragment of the woman who changed everything by saying what she saw.
France claims more Magdalene relics than any other country. Her skull rests at Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume in Provence; a rib at Vézelay; fragments at churches throughout the country. The Paris relic joins this dispersed body, making Magdalene present in the capital that dedicated a church to her eight centuries ago.
Why this place is sacred
The bone's thinness lies in what it claims to represent: physical connection to the woman who first announced resurrection.
Relic veneration, making Magdalene present in Paris
Traditions and practice
Veneration and prayer before the reliquary, especially on Magdalene's feast day (July 22).
Mary Magdalene Relic Veneration
ActiveOne of many Magdalene relics in France (major sites: Saint-Maximin, Vézelay). Connects Paris to the woman who first announced resurrection.
Veneration, prayer before reliquary
Visit planning
To right of altar, against south pilaster, at La Madeleine church, Place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement, Paris
Plan your visit
Address
Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
Phone
Hours
Hours, fees, and access can change — verify on the official source before you travel. Practical details last checked Jun 2026.
Nearby sacred places
Sacred places within a half-day’s reach. Pilgrims often visit them together: walk one, stay for the other.
La Madeleine (Church of Saint Mary Magdalene)
Paris, Île-de-France, France
Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Paris, Paris, Île-de-France, France
1.9 km away
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Bonne Délivrance
Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France, France
4.4 km away
Our Lady of Good Deliverance, Paris
Neuilly-sur-Seine, Île-de-France, France
4.4 km away
References
Sources consulted when researching this page. Independent verification by readers is welcome.
- 01Relics of Mary Magdalene — Wikipediahigh-reliability
- 02Paris: La Madeleine Church — Catholic Travel Guide
Key questions
What pilgrims usually ask
- Why is Mary Magdalene's Bone at La Madeleine considered sacred?
- Venerate a relic of Mary Magdalene at La Madeleine church, Paris. Part of France's rich tradition of Magdalene relics.
- How long should I spend at Mary Magdalene's Bone at La Madeleine?
- Part of 30-60 minute church visit
- How do you visit Mary Magdalene's Bone at La Madeleine?
- To right of altar, against south pilaster, at La Madeleine church, Place de la Madeleine, 8th arrondissement, Paris