Description

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An extensive examination of the religious anomalies and lost treasure of the Mary Magdalene Church in Rennes-le-Château

• Looks at the connection between the Templars, Cathars, and other enigmatic groups in the history of this church and the surrounding area

• Maintains that Mary Magdalene was the high priestess who anointed Jesus into his priesthood, in accordance with ancient religious tradition

• Explores the role of the Sacred Feminine in early Christian Church history

The small church of Rennes-le-Château, in a remote village in southern France, may well hold the key to the proof of Mary Magdalene’s marriage to Jesus and the bloodline they founded. In 1885 the village of Rennes-le-Château welcomed a new priest, Abbe Saunière, for its church dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. Abbe Saunière ordered very strange restoration work for the church, and it is thought that he discovered something during this renovation that brought him to the attention of the power brokers of that time and made him a very rich man. Possible identifications of his discovery range from the gold pillaged from Delphi in Roman times; the treasure brought out of Jerusalem by the Templars, who had a strong presence in this area; and the missing Cathar treasure, spirited out of Montségur mere days before the fall of that fortress.

Yet even more curious and compelling is this church’s ambiguous portrayal of Mary Magdalene. Markale explains that the unusual depictions of Mary in the church hint at an even more archaic role performed by Mary that could shake the very foundations of the Church if it were fully understood: that of the high priestess who anoints the priest king into his spiritual duties.

About the Author

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Jean Markale (1928-2008), was a poet, philosopher, historian, and storyteller, who spent a lifetime researching pre-Christian and medieval culture and spirituality. He was a former specialist in Celtic studies at the Sorbonne and author of more than 40 books, including Montségur and the Mystery of the Cathars, The Church of Mary Magdalene, The Druids, The Celts, Merlin, and Women of the Celts.

Praise For…

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". . .combines philosophy, research, vivid drama, history lessons, and a murder mystery....may shake the foundations of Christianity. . . .The book will appeal to spiritual seekers, as well as [those] interested in conspiracy theories."
— Jackie Olsen, New Age Retailer, New Year 2005

"This is a great read, a well written story, and an insightful view into the Rennes-le-Chateau tale. . . .uncovers the key to the suppressed role of Mary Magdelene in Christian history."
— Robert Burns, New Dawn, Nov-Dec 2004

". . . an astute, scholarly, investigative book . . ."
— Leo Vincent Kriz, Library Journal, Oct 2004

"Markale, a historian who was a specialist in Celtic studies at the Sorbonne, combines his extensive knowledge of the Rennes region with a storyteller's flair to produce a book that is as entertaining as it is informative."
— Janet Brennan, Fate, Apr 2005

". . .the kind of writing that makes the reader want to pull an armchair up to the fireplace, pour a glass of sherry, and settle in for a good yarn."
— Janet Brennan, Fate, Apr 2005