It is hard to get past the feminist and pro-prostitution slant of much modern “scholarship.” That’s why I mentioned the De Wohl book, which is well within the reasonable bounds of the Scriptural accounts.
From the Gospels, we know that Mary of Magdala loved Jesus with an intense and personal love, and that He returned her love in a personal way. That’s enough for me to consider her a guide and an intercessor. All the other Marys of the Gospels may be separate people or not, but we know that Mary Magdalene was shown a special mercy and a special live by Jesus.
Thanks, I’ll look for the DeWohl book...