Hi Dave,

Several, in fact. The most obvious is St. Mary Magdalene, though some question whether she was the prostitute mentioned in the Gospels.

Besides her, the most popular is probably St. Mary of Egypt. There is also St. Pelagia the Harlot. I'm sure there are others.

Hi Dave,

I am not sure that Mary Magdalene is "officially" considered to be a reformed prostitute; it could be a "small t" tradition.

However, there is an Old Testament woman in the book of Joshua: Rahab the harlot, who is counted among the Saints in the Hall of Fame of faith. See Hebrews, Chapter 11.

John DiMascio

Hi Dave,

I believe that St. Mary of Egypt was a prostitute before her conversion.

Try googling your question.

Mary Ann

Yes, she is, Dan.

Rahab's inclusion in the Christ's lineages is crucial and part of God's plan. For starters, it shows the grace of God. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho; she gave sanctuary to the Israelite spies as they were getting ready to take the Promised Land. So we see life turned around, and as reward, she became part of Christ's genealogy.

Second, Rahab was not an Israelite. Matthew makes sure to include her name, because his Gospel was written to the Jews. As such, the Jews would have recognized the historical significance, and it would have shown them that the Messiah did not just come for them, but for the whole world.