A native of Georgia and born in slavery, Mother Mary Magdalen entered the community in 1866. She was sent to New Orleans on her first mission assignment. In 1888 she was appointed head of the domestic department of Epiphany Apostolic College (Josephites). At that time the college was located in the Walbrook section of Baltimore.

Under her leadership as Superior, the Oblates founded their first Cuban mission. Sister Mary Frances Fieldien (who would become the next Superior General), Sister Mary Edward Cardenas and Sister Mary Immaculata Denis were accompanied to the new foundation by Mother Magdalen herself. The Sisters journeyed to Tampa, Florida, by railroad; then they boarded the steamer, Olivette, for a two-day ride across the Gulf of Mexico. The first Oblates arrived in Cuba on November 10, 1890. They soon opened Our Lady of Charity Academy.

During Mother Magdalen's years as a leader, the new chapel on Chase Street was begun and successfully completed. She encouraged the Sisters to assist in seeking funds for the chapel construction. In joy and thanksgiving, Mother witnessed Cardinal Gibbons make the dedication in 1907.

James Cardinal Gibbons was always a good friend to the Oblates. He gave them substantial financial help whenever it was needed and furthered their interests in every way that was possible. It became the Cardinal's custom to drop in at the convent on one of his walks; to wish the Sisters well, to bring them some small gift or other, or merely to hearten them by his interest. He was always present at celebrations such as the Jubilee of an aged Sister, often placing the crown on her head himself.

Mother Mary Magdalen's administration saw the picturesque black bonnet for the street (white cap for the house) replaced by the traditional veil. In some ways this was a drastic change. Since their foundation in 1829, the Oblate Sisters had been identified by this bonnet.

In 1904 Mother Magdalen Cratin saw to it that the Oblates' Rules or Constitutions, until then written in longhand, were printed by "Nord - Ameriks" Print, 1006 N. Fifth Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Constitutions had received the approbation of James Cardinal Gibbons, on November 24, 1903. This was the first formal approval since the original rule was accepted by the Most Rev. James Whitfield in 1829.

By God's grace, Mother Mary Magdalen Cratin lived to celebrate her Golden Jubilee.