MAGDALENA CENT

Mary of Magdala, Aramaic for ‘the tower’, is an early Christian point of reference: a symbol of courage, clarity, and the strength to stand up for the Gospel. The MAGDALENA CENT, with its lighthouse motif, connects to the first proclamation of the Good News by Mary Magdalene, whose feast day is celebrated on 22 July.

The collection for the MAGDALENA CENT takes place once a year. This may be on the official feast day of Mary Magdalene on 22 July or on another day in the church year when a suitable event (church service, gathering, etc.) is taking place.

MAGDALENA CENT is modelled on the principle of Peter’s Pence, the Pope’s official annual collection. Whilst Peter’s Pence primarily finances the institution of the Holy See, the MAGDALENA CENT goes directly towards the work of Catholic women who are renewing the Church today. The MAGDALENA CENT is not an alternative, but an urgently needed addition: it strengthens the efforts of those who have proclaimed the Gospel from the very beginning.

A Coin in the Spirit of Mary of Magdala

The accounts of those women who followed Jesus have often been obscured by centuries of androcentric translation and interpretation. Thus, the New International Version of the Gospel of Luke states: ‘[Jesus] went from town to town and village to village, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who […] had been healed: Mary, called Magdalene […], Joanna, the wife of Chuza […], Susanna and many others. They supported Jesus and the disciples with their possessions.” (Luke 8:1b–3)

Yet the original Greek text reveals that the women’s support consisted of more than just their money: the women travelled with Jesus, they shared in his preaching and lived out his message. They were not silent spectators; they were co-bearers of the Gospel. Just like these women, just like Mary Magdalene back then, countless women today live out their vocation in the Church – teaching, sanctifying and leading. They give their time, their energy, their knowledge – and often their money too. Yet their work is frequently overlooked and scarcely acknowledged.

The Catholic Women’s Council’s MAGDALENA CENT aims to change that. It is a concrete sign of recognition – an annual collection in Catholic parishes and organisations to raise the profile of women and women’s organisations, and to strengthen and honour their work. The contributions are intended to open up spaces for spirituality, education, and encounter, and to strengthen communication.

Mary Magdalene, after whom the MAGDALENA CENT is named, shows the way forward: Magdala means ‘the tower’. Mary of Magdala is thus the early Christian beacon who exemplifies how women have been a source of light and guidance for many throughout the history of our faith, and continue to be so today.

For Catholic women and women’s organisations to secure the place they are entitled to, so that they can contribute their expertise, talents and charisms to the Church with dignity and on an equal footing, we still need perseverance, trust and, indeed, funding. The MAGDALENA CENT aims to ensure that the light of the lighthouse shines brightly, so that women all over the world can see one another and come together, and so that women in the shadows, as well as the many every day, barely noticed (often women’s) tasks within the Church, are brought into focus.

Why is the MAGDALENA CENT Needed?

Supporting the CWC represents a commitment to a process of change in the unjust and unequal relationships that dehumanize both women and men. The CWC is a hopeful initiative, as the reflections and actions it promotes contribute to the Church's practice of discipleship as equals, as desired by Jesus.

- Dr. Sr. Geraldina Céspedes Ulloa, Professor of Theology, Rafael Landívar University, Guatemala

Frauen tragen und beleben das kirchliche Leben weltweit massgeblich. Sie übernehmen Verantwortung in der Katechese, in der Diakonie, in der Verkündigung und in der Verwaltung. Trotzdem sind sie nach wie vor nicht gleichwertig an wesentlichen Entscheidungen der Kirche beteiligt. Das will das CWC mit dem MAGDALENA CENT ändern. Eine jährliche Kollekte und Einzelspenden bilden die notwendigen finanziellen Ressourcen, um katholische Frauen sichtbarer und einflussreicher zu machen, die sich für #GleicheWürdeGleicheRechte für alle einsetzen.

- Simone Curau-Aepli,
Schweiz

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MAGDALENA CENT – Inspired by the Peter’s Pence

The Peter’s Pence (Latin: Denarius Sancti Petri) is the Pope’s official collection, which is taken up once a year during a Sunday service in Catholic churches worldwide. In 2024, the total amounted to around 58 million euros[1]. The local churches transfer the money to the Apostolic Nunciature in their country; the Nunciature then transfers it to the Holy See.

Every year on 29 June, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the Peter’s Pence collection is taken up. This is the Pope’s official collection. In 2024, 58 million euros were collected in this way. The majority of the funds come from donations by the faithful, which are mainly collected via the dioceses and forwarded to the Holy See. A smaller portion (around a fifth) goes towards direct aid projects, such as social or charitable initiatives. The remainder goes into the Holy See’s general budget to fulfil the Pope’s apostolic mission. This includes, amongst other things, supporting financially weak local churches, disseminating papal messages, and funding the apostolic nunciatures and the administration. In total, the Peter’s Pence did not quite cover a fifth of these expenses. (Source:https://www.obolodisanpietro.va/en/rapporti-annuali/rapporto-annuale-2024.html)

The Peter’s Pence has a long tradition. It was first collected in the 8th century, later used for the construction of St Peter’s Basilica, and finally standardised in the 19th century. In more recent times, however, it is remembered primarily for various allegations of misuse or lack of transparency. Instead of directly strengthening the Church’s mission, the Peterspfennig is increasingly being used to cushion the Holy See’s budget deficit.

The MAGDALENA CENT Supports the Following Activities:

International virtual listening sessions

Fees for speakers, technical support, simultaneous
interpreting, video editing and communication

Communication and visibility

Maintenance of the website and social media
communicationchannels

Administration and technology

Global networking

organisation of digital and in-person meetings, financial support for members'
travel and accommodation

How it Works

The MAGDALENA CENT collection takes place once a year. This can be on the official feast day of Mary Magdalene on 22 July, or on another day in the church year when a suitable event (church service, gathering, etc.) is taking place. The information leaflet is available in various languages in the download centre.

The MAGDALENA CENT can be produced independently as a coin or an amulet. Here’s how it works:

The file for 3D printing can be ordered free of charge via the contact form. The file will then be sent by email.
The coin is produced using a 3D printer.
The coin can be given away or sold. This is left to the discretion of the organisations themselves.
30% of the proceeds from sales and collections may be retained by the groups to cover their own expenses; 70% is transferred to the CWC.

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