The Patron Saint of Massage Therapists?

If you've worked with me before and you've gotten physically close enough, you may have noticed the pendant I’ve worn around my neck since my 5th year in practice—a token of Saint Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of massage therapists. To many, this might seem like an unusual association, but when you dig deeper into the stories and symbolism surrounding Mary Magdalene, it becomes clear why she embodies qualities that resonate with the spirit of massage therapy.

A Tale Of Two Marys

In both biblical texts and modern culture, the identities of Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany have often been confused and conflated. While Mary of Bethany famously washed Jesus' feet with her tears and dried them with her hair (John 12:3), Mary Magdalene is frequently mistaken for the one who performed this intimate act of service.

This misunderstanding reflects the larger, often misconstrued narrative of Mary Magdalene's identity throughout history.

Similarly, in today’s world, massage therapy, a practice rooted in healing, care, and service, is frequently misunderstood and misrepresented—often confused with indulgence or even associated with sex work.

Much like Mary Magdalene’s role was marginalized and misconstrued, so too is the work of massage therapists. Despite these misunderstandings, there is a deeper connection between Mary Magdalene and the work of massage therapists—one that resonates with the touch, devotion, and transformative healing that both offer. As I continue through this claim, I want to keep this acknowledgement of both Mary's in our minds.

The Alabaster Jar: Aromatherapy and Massage

In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter Mary bringing an alabaster jar of expensive perfume into the house of Simon the Leper, pouring it over Jesus' head as a symbol of love, devotion, and reverence (Mark 14:3). The act itself is not only symbolic but also practical—an offering of precious oils, which is reminiscent of the oils used in aromatherapy in modern massage therapy.

Massage therapists frequently use oils as a key part of their practice. These oils carry healing properties that help to soothe and restore the body, while also promoting emotional and spiritual well-being. Mary's act of anointing Jesus with oil mirrors this tradition, where oils act as a conduit for healing.

In a sense, both massage therapists and Mary use oils as instruments of care and devotion. Just as Mary’s gesture of pouring oil represented a sacred act of service, massage therapy similarly involves the offering of care and healing, with the oils used during a massage serving as both a physical and emotional or spiritual balm.

Sin and Indulgence: Misunderstood Touch

Mary Magdalene has long been misidentified as a sinful woman, with many believing her to be the unnamed woman who weeps and washes Jesus' feet in Luke 7.

This assumption persisted for centuries, overshadowing her true role as a devoted follower of Christ and the first to witness the resurrection. Similarly, massage therapy has historically been misunderstood as an indulgence—a luxury or hedonistic pursuit—rather than the essential and vital practice it is for healing.

The act of washing Jesus’ feet with perfume and tears in the Gospel of John (John 12:3) mirrors the physicality of a massage—an intimate act of service and care. Yet, much like Mary’s gesture was misjudged as sinful and wasteful, therapeutic touch in the massage world is often misinterpreted as something inappropriate or frivolous. Some even going to far as to assume or link massage to sex work.

In both cases, the true value of the act is clouded by societal misunderstandings of physical touch and devotion. The modern misconception that massage therapy is simply a luxury for indulgence reflects the same historical misunderstanding of Mary’s character and actions. Just as she was a symbol of spiritual devotion, so too is massage therapy a practice that provides not only physical relief but also emotional and spiritual restoration.

Marginalization of Women

Another striking parallel between both Marys and massage therapy is the way women have been marginalized in both biblical and modern contexts. While Mary Magdalene played a crucial role in the early Christian church, her contributions were often overlooked, and her role as a spiritual leader was diminished in favor of narratives that focused on her (and Mary of Bethany's) supposed sinfulness.

This marginalization of women extends to the massage therapy profession as well, where the majority of practitioners are women, yet leadership roles, education, and professional recognition are often dominated by men.

This mirrors the historical exclusion of women from roles of authority in religious contexts, despite their pivotal contributions. Just as Mary Magdalene’s true spiritual leadership was sidelined, women in the massage therapy industry continue to navigate a landscape where their contributions are undervalued or misunderstood. The healing and care that women provide in this profession is as vital and transformative as the role Mary Magdalene played in the biblical narrative, yet their leadership is often overshadowed by a male-dominated narrative in both the church and the professional world.

Mary: A Symbol of Healing and Transformation

Mary Magdalene, as the patron saint of massage therapists, symbolizes more than just devotion or service—she embodies the transformative power of healing, both physical and spiritual. Her connection to oils, her misunderstood identity, and her role in acts of service parallel the work of massage therapists who provide care, comfort, and renewal to others.

As we reflect on both Mary's stories, we are reminded that healing, whether through the use of precious oils or the compassionate touch of a massage therapist, is an intimate and sacred act. Just as Mary Magdalene’s identity and role have been reclaimed over time, so too is the importance of therapeutic touch in our lives becoming more widely recognized. In both cases, the power of touch and devotion transcends the physical, offering a profound transformation that heals the body, mind, and spirit.

Accompanying Vlogs: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyclarkellis.mti/video/7271459953506848043?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7356954434540471851

https://youtube.com/shorts/MLACRHPeBgU?si=rAOjWxW1-HV57Hwl

Peace and Healing,

Kirby Clark Ellis, MTI, BCTMB