aixcentric

As most of you living in and around Aix will know, the region has long been associated with Mary Magdalene the companion of Jesus who, according to legend, was driven out of Palestine during early Christian persecutions.  She was expelled together with other saints in a boat without sails which pitched up at Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue.  After preaching around Marseille, she came to the Sainte-Baume mountain where she lived and worshipped in a cave.

Remains believed to be those of Mary Magdalene rest in the crypt  of the basilica at Saint-Maximin.  They intrigue all who visit them, and now two French scientists have used computer modelling of the skull and facial recognition technology to create a picture of the person.

They took 500 photographs to generate a 3D model which resulted in their conclusion that the skull is from a woman, aged about 50, of Mediterranean ethnicity, with dark brown hair and dark skin.

However Philippe Chalier from the University of Versailles and Philippe Froesch, the visual forensic artist, can’t conduct tests to age the skull  as carbon-dating requires samples and the Catholic church will not allow this.

So, they now know a lot more about this woman – but is it Mary?  The scientists don’t know.  Her remains were discovered in December 1279 when 4 sarcophagi were found in the abbey crypt.  The basilica was built and a cult was born.  Pilgrims flocked to the town and also to the cave where she lived.

Both locations are well worth visiting, and if you do visit the cave which is an atmospheric religious grotto half way up a hillside, you can climb even further up the cliff to the summit where legend says angels took her each day to pray. There’s a little chapel up there – and stupendous views.

British broadcaster Melvyn Bragg has taken a keen interest in Mary and has some fascinating observations especially around the role of early Popes in shaping attitudes to her: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9944014/Melvyn-Bragg-on-Mary-Magdalene.html

and a film ‘Mary Magdalene’ is being released on March 16th with Joaquin Phoenix playing Jesus and Rooney Mara as Mary.  So now is probably a good time to see these locations for yourself…..