The Pregnant Magdalene
The Pregnant Magdalene in the Monastery of Santes Creus (Tarragona).
In the “Retablo de San Juan” from 1603, located in one of the chapels of the Monastery of Santes Creus (Tarragona, Spain), there is a remarkable depiction of Mary Magdalene appearing pregnant beside the crucified Christ. The identity of the artist remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to this enigmatic piece of art.
This image portrays Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross, visibly pregnant. She is depicted in a state of deep sorrow, with loose red hair and a handkerchief in her left hand to wipe her tears. Her swollen breasts and clearly rounded belly indicate an advanced stage of pregnancy—an unusual and striking detail in traditional Christian iconography. To emphasize her pregnancy, the artist painted a sash from her shoulder to her waist, clearly highlighting her condition. This type of detail was common in the era to denote pregnancy.
The depiction of Mary Magdalene as pregnant suggests a profound and intimate connection with Yeshua. There are two prevailing interpretations of this image. The first is that Mary Magdalene was pregnant with Yeshua’s child. The second interpretation is more symbolic, suggesting that Mary Magdalene received the Light of Christ, embodying and manifesting his teachings on Earth. Whichever interpretation you feel resonant with, what is most important is that Mary Magdalene was and is seen as a bearer of divine wisdom and a key figure in the continuation of Yeshua’s spiritual legacy.
The presence of this image in the Monastery of Santes Creus adds to the site’s historical, spiritual, and mystical tradition. The depiction of a pregnant Mary Magdalene in such a sacred space suggests that her role and presence were greatly recognized and venerated in this region.
Oral tradition and local legends claim that Mary Magdalene is buried in the Monastery of Santes Creus. This belief has been kept relatively secret to avoid attracting massive tourism, thereby preserving the sanctity and tranquility of the site.
The beauty of all this is that we know that in one way or another, the presence of Magdalene in Europe was important for the continuation of the Christic Ministry through her. Her presence was crucial role in the spread of early Christian teachings. The idea that she traveled to various parts of Europe, including Spain and France, and established spiritual communities helps us understand that there are so many Mysteries and Mystical teachings that are wanting to be revealed.
It was actually this painting that took me on my last pilgrimage to Montserrat. Although I had been many times, meditating and praying in fron of this painting helped me understand that there was and is a powerful connection of Our Lady of Montserrat with the revelations of this image. Black Madonna Montserrat activates the Trinity of Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and Shekhinah and these are one of the many transmissions we will be receiving in this 9 Day Devotional Journey. These Novenas just get more and more powerful.
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Wishing you a beautiful day and I hope that you enjoyed what I have shared today. I have been to the Monastery of Santes Creus many times and the energy is so powerful and peaceful.
Sending love to all of you.
AHAVA,
Ana Otero