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Why would anyone go to a cemetery?!

Call it odd, but my daughter, Philomena, has been fascinated with cemeteries for as long as I can remember.
Every time we pass a cemetery, she's got questions. My favorite of these exchanges went like this: Mena: Are cemeteries real, or are they just for Halloween. Me: They are real. Mena: And people there are dead? Me: Yes. We bury them so we can honor them and remember them. Mena: WHY WOULD ANYONE GO TO A CEMETERY? In her sweet little mind, she believed people were voluntarily walking into cemeteries and dying on the spot—not that they were brought there after they had passed. (And honestly, who would go there if that’s how it worked?!) Since she had been asking to visit one for months, All Souls' Day felt like the perfect opportunity. She fidgeted through noon Mass, practically bouncing in her seat anticipating the trip. When I had to make a quick post office stop on the way, the delay nearly drove her crazy.
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This girl took. her. time. She wanted to know hold old the people were who had passed, what their names were, and of course, she was particularly touched by any children or babies whose graves we visited. We prayed, we asked Mary to hold the babies, and we talked about Heaven. If I'm being honest, I probably would have avoided visiting a cemetery on All Souls' Day if it weren't for Mena. It’s easy to let grief make those places feel heavy. But watching her approach the holy ground with such tenderness and curiosity transformed the experience for me. She reminded me that we don't go to mourn death; we go to honor life and remember the promise ahead.
"I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." John 11: 25-26
Marian Feasts and Titles for November
November 11 - Our Lady of the Armed Forces This feast honors Mary as a protector for soldiers, veterans, and military families, asking her to keep them safe and bring them peace.
November 17 - Our Lady of Zion This title remembers Mary as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, as she was the Jewish daughter who gave birth to Jesus.
November 18 - Our Lady of Chiquinquira Patroness of Colombia! A dirty, faded painting of Mary on a rough cloth miraculously restored itself to bright, beautiful colors in 1586.
November 21 - The Presentation of Our Lady This feast celebrates the tradition of Mary's parents bringing her to the Temple as a young girl to dedicate her whole life to God.
November 24 - Our Lady of Montserrat This title honors a famous "Black Madonna" statue in the mountains of Spain that millions of pilgrims—including Saint Ignatius of Loyola—have visited for centuries.
November 27 - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal This day marks the 1830 apparition in Paris where Mary appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré and gave us the design for the Miraculous Medal.
November 28 - Our Lady of Kibeho This feast remembers Mary’s apparitions in Rwanda during the 1980s, where she called herself the "Mother of the Word" and urged everyone to pray the Rosary for peace.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
This coming Sunday, we'll hear the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. I love this depiction by Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow, which brings the women of the parable to the feet of the Resurrected Christ. I may identify a little with the womanin the red skirt on the left a little too much these days (thanks, insomnia), but I love the humility of the women on the right, and how Our Lady places her hands on her heart...welcoming the wise women? Heartbroken for the foolish ones? Don't miss the corner pieces either - the top left shows the foolish virgins being turned away. The top right shows the wise virgins at the wedding feast.
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A few questions to reflect on to prepare your heart for next weekend's Gospel:
  • We traditionally interpret the oil in the lamps as charity, virtue, and grace. What is fueling the "oil" in my spiritual lamp? Is my relationship with Christ active or running on empty?
  • The wise virgins cannot lend their oil at the last minute because grace cannot be borrowed from someone else. Do I rely on the faith or routine of others, like family and community, or am I cultivating my own relationship with God?
  • If Christ were to come tonight, what area of my heart or life still needs to be brought to the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that I am ready to welcome Him?
A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog from Catholics Online
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Kindred Catholic: The Fiat Issue A Catholic Digest for Women

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Earrings - Kibeho

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Earrings - Guadalupe Studs

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Memorare Earrings

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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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34 Days and COUNTING

I know - it seems like we have a long way to go, but there are just 34 days until the Advent season officially begins! And if you're looking to get an early start on your holiday prep, I am here for you!
A Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog from Catholics Online
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Kindred Catholic: The Fiat Issue A Catholic Digest for Women

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Memento Mori Earrings

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“Come, O Come Emmanuel” Advent Sweatshirt

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Blessed Fulton Sheen JMJ Earrings

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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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Secret Sale!

Memento Mori
THE MEANING BEHIND THE SAYING In our Catholic faith, memento mori or "remember your death" is a prayer of hope: a quiet reminder that our days are short, our earthly walk is fleeting, and our true home is in eternity with God. Whiel the earrings are an adorable accessory for this spooky season, the meaning behind them keeps us focused on where we belong.
Available for $12.00 this week only. No code needed.

KINDRED CATHOLIC IS HERE!

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The Jubilee Year of Our Lady Guadalupe Has Begun!
October 12, 2026 marked the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the new Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the transfer of her sacred image to the current shrine in Mexico City.
To celebrate, Pope Leo XIV has declared a Jubilee Year in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe from October 12, 2026 to October 12, 2027!
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Secret Sale!

We're honoring the Miracle of the Sun this week, as we get ready to celebrate the anniversary on October 13th.
THE STORY On October 13, 1917, over 70,000 people gathered in the pouring rain in Fátima, Portugal, witnessing the sun appear to spin, flash vivid colors, and plummet toward the Earth before returning to its place. The event was widely covered by the press, with even secular and anti-clerical newspapers like Lisbon’s O Século sending reporters who unexpectedly corroborated the miracle alongside thousands of skeptical eyewitnesses.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Fatima Earrings & Miracle of the Sun Earrings are set to $12.00 this week in the shop - available at that price until next Friday.

KINDRED CATHOLIC IS HERE!

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MORE FROM FATIMA

Many of you have been disappointed to see my tees disappear from the shop. For now, I'm slowly bringing them back until at least the Christmas season! You'll see more pop up in the next few weeks.
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CELEBRATING BLESSED FULTON J SHEEN

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Kindred Catholic is Here!!!

I couldn't be prouder!
Kindred Catholic: The Fiat Issue is finally launching today!
Kindred is a new evergreen art and literary journal crafted to nourish your heart and home. Our first volume (The Fiat Issue) features 130 full-color pages of artwork, poetry, and reflective writing from 32 Catholic women
Available now in Digital, Softcover, and Hardcover (ships Nov 1st—just in time for Christmas gifting
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ORDER NOW
Check out a sneak peek in the video below!
Send me your prayer requests by replying to this email!!
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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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Wiggle Into His Presence

Last night, I told my 4-year-old that it was time to get into bed. Naturally, she ran straight for my own bed and found her usual place right in the middle. Mike and I have become quite accustomed to being accosted by her flailing limbs in the middle of the night. Even if she doesn't start the night in our bed, she'll be there before morning comes.
Part of me wanted to scold her and remind her that she needed to go to her own room. But another part of me was reminded of something my mom always said: "Every child should get to take love for granted."
In other words, every child should be fortunate enough to live in a home where wiggling your little self in between your parents at 2:00 a.m. isn't something you have to ask permission for. My daughter doesn't doubt that she belongs there. She doesn't hesitate, or wonder if she’s done enough good deeds during the day to earn a spot on my pillow. She rests completely in the fact that she is loved.
Do I approach God with the same confidence?
He loves us so much more than our human minds can even wrap around. He doesn't want us standing at the doorway of prayer wondering if we're worthy to step inside. He wants us to be like little children - bold, unhesitating, and so confident in His affection that when life gets heavy or dark, we run straight into His arms without a second thought.
And yes, of course, we are called to follow His commandments and strive for holiness. But long before we "figure it all out", He wants us to take His unconditional love for granted.
Whatever trial you find yourself in this week, I hope you feel the freedom to wiggle right into His presence. You belong there.

VISIO DIVINA: Suffer the Children by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Visio Divina — "divine seeing" — is prayer through art rather than words. Rather than analyzing the painting, let your eyes rest on it and listen for what God draws your attention toward. Take your time to study and really take in the image below.
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Settle: Pause where you are. Unclutter your mind and let your shoulders drop. Take a slow, steady breath and allow yourself to arrive in this present moment.
Gaze: Take in the whole scene—the crowd pressing in at the doorway, the quiet space in the foreground, and the dramatic contrast between the shadowy throng and the figures seated below. Notice where your eyes land first. Is it the child looking back at Jesus, the hand resting on a knee, the vibrant blue mantle, or the searching faces in the doorway? Something else?
Meditate: Linger with that single detail or group that drew your attention. Who do you identify with in this image? Notice how close they are to Jesus, completely unbothered by the crowd around them. Where in your life are you invited to draw near to Him with that same simple, unhesitating trust? Some in the crowd lean in, while others stand in the shadows. How do you approach Christ?
Respond: Speak with God about what this scene brings up in you.
Rest: Let go of thoughts, analysis, and words. Simply sit in the quiet atmosphere of the painting, resting in God’s peaceful and loving presence a moment longer.

Keep An Eye Out for these October Devotions!

🎀 = Earrings • 🎨 = Art and Stationery • 🎁 = New Items Coming Memento Mori 🎀🎨🎁 Hallowtide 🎀🎨🎁 St. Therese of Lisieux - October 1st 🎀 🎨 Guardian Angels - October 2nd 🎨 St. Francis of Assisi - October 5th 🎀 🎨 Our Lady of the Rosary - October 7th 🎨 Our Lady of the Pillar - October 12th 🎀 Our Lady of Aparecida - October 12th 🎀 Miracle of the Sun - October 13th 🎀 St. Teresa of Avila - October 15th 🎀🎨🎁 Our Lady of Schoenstatt - October 18th 🎀🎨🎁 St. John Paul II - October 22nd 🎀 🎁 Our Lady of Oropa - October 29th 🎀

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Fulton J. Sheen Precious Mystery Notecards

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Earrings - Sacred Heart

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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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We Are a Party People and Alleluia is Our Song

I was 15 when we moved to San Antonio, and my family was thrilled to discover that the city hosts a massive two-week festival every spring called Fiesta. It celebrates the diversity of the city and commemorates the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto with endless parades, street fairs, concerts, and—of course—FOOD.
At the time, someone told us, "You'll love it here—we find any excuse we can to throw a party!"
I've come to realize you can say the exact same thing about the Catholic faith.
In just a few short days, we’ve celebrated the Feasts of Our Lady of La Salette (9/19), St. Matthew (9/21), and St. Padre Pio (today!). And tomorrow, we have a beatification to celebrate.
Call me crazy, but I don't think enough of us appreciate the constant feasting. . I think it’s important for our own spirits, but for the people around us, too. I know my kids get so excited when we celebrate their Name Days—they love getting to pick their favorite dessert on their patron saints' feast days.
I fully plan on being a sneaky mom tomorrow afternoon—grabbing my kids from school a little early so we can watch Venerable Fulton J. Sheen officially become Blessed Fulton J. Sheen. If you're looking for ways to make tomorrow's beatification even more fun, I'll have you know that Bishop Sheen had a prized recipe for meatloaf, with a secret ingredient! He called his dish "Sheen Loaf"! You can find the recipe at the bottom of this article.
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I also found reports that he was especially fond of a coconut candy with a chocolate bottom from a New York sweet shop. So we'll be making these macaroons tomorrow, in his honor!
So there you go - dinner and dessert all sorted!
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One last Bishop Sheen moment - I had so much fun watching him on an old episode of What's My Line.

Let's keep this party going!

Keep An Eye Out for these October Devotions!

🎀 = Earrings • 🎨 = Art and Stationery • 🎁 = New Items Coming Memento Mori 🎀🎨🎁 Hallowtide 🎀🎨🎁 St. Therese of Lisieux - October 1st 🎀 🎨 Guardian Angels - October 2nd 🎨 St. Francis of Assisi - October 5th 🎀 🎨 Our Lady of the Rosary - October 7th 🎨 Miracle of the Sun - October 13th 🎀 St. Teresa of Avila - October 15th 🎀🎨🎁 Our Lady of Schoenstatt - October 18th 🎀🎨🎁 St. John Paul II - October 22nd 🎀 🎁 Our Lady of Oropa - October 29th 🎀
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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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Secret Sale!

I haven't had La Salette earrings in stock for over a year!
But they are back, in time to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette tomorrow, September 19th. THE STORY On September 19, 1846, the Virgin Mary appeared to two young shepherd children, Maximin Giraud and Mélanie Calvat, on a mountain near the French village of La Salette. She appeared sitting in deep sorrow and weeping, wearing a luminous dress and a crown atop a white headdress. The crown is what inspired these earrings - it was adorned with a wreath of multicolored roses and filled with brilliant light. Speaking in both French and the local dialect, Mary delivered a message calling for prayer, penance, and reconciliation, begging people to return to Sunday Mass and reverence. She entrusted a secret to each child before vanishing into the light.
Our Lady of La Salette, pray for us! These earrings are hand painted - typically $20.00 - but just $12.00 this weekend.

FEATURED ITEMS

I'm so excited for the Beatification of Fulton Sheen next week! I've painted a lovely little pelican to honor a quote of his, comparing Christ to the Pelican. Prints and cards are available now - look for earrings in the coming week. “The pelican, it is said, wounds itself in order to nourish the young. and here is the Divine pelican who would wound himself in the sense that he would give himself up for the sins of the world.” • Fulton J. Sheen •
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Holiness by Association?

I have something so special to share with you today! In 1998, the summer we moved to St. Louis, we had the good fortune to meet an incredible family. I know that God brought us together. Our moms, Terrie and Marisue, became best friends. Katie and I were both in kindergarten, and became best friends. Our little sisters, Beckie and Lauren, were toddlers, and they also became best friends!
It was magical. We are still very connected, despite living nearly 800 miles apart. Little Lauren is now Sister Teresa Christi, O.P., a sister with the Dominican Sisters of Mary the Mother of the Eucharist, based in Ann Arbor. She was featured last week on Openlight Media's Dominican Sisters Open Mic. I found myself weeping while I listened. I think part of it was a nostalgia for the simplicity of my childhood and the memories we all made together, an inspired benign envy of her joy and laughter, and a longing for an ever-deepening connection with God. A friend of mine used to joke that if she hung out with enough "cool" people, she could become "cool by association". I'm hoping my childhood with Sr. Teresa Christi can have the same effect on my own pursuit of holiness and I can become Holy By Association! Please give yourself the gift of listening today of watching the episode below!
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September 17th marks the Feast Day of St. Hildegard of Bingen—a mystic, poet, musician, artist, and Doctor of the Church. Known for capturing the vibrant beauty of creation, St. Hildegard invites us to embrace our own creativity inspired by the world God made. Click the image above to download this illustrated hymn, along with a blank hymn page ready for your own decorative touch!

Let me introduce you to... Our Lady of Good News

A pilgrim traveling through Palermo, Italy stopped in an inn. He was exhausted and cold. As he sat near a dwindling fire, he picked up a large, old, dirty piece of wood. He took his axe and attacked the board, but was shocked that he was unable to chip off a single splinter. He struck it again, and again. Even the people around him were surprised.
Sure that the board held some kind of divine magic or secret, they cleaned the board and discovered a painting of Our Lady, holding the Infant Jesus and flanked by two angels.
Antonio Veneziano, Madonna col Bambino - Not the original painting in this story, which has been lost to time!
Antonio Veneziano, Madonna col Bambino - Not the original painting in this story, which has been lost to time!
The board was taken quickly to the Archbishop, where it was cleaned further and the image became more distinct. It was placed on the altar. Miracles began to flow through Sicily and all of Italy. Some time later, the Viceroy of Sicily was traveling through the area in a time of war with the Saracen army. A messenger had been in pursuit of the Viceroy, and when he caught up to him, he said he was bringing good news - the Saracen Emperor had withdrawn his troops and peace had been reached. The Viceroy paid thanks to Our Lady at the church in Palermo, saying "This church that has the name of Holy Mary, will in the future be known as Holy Mary of Good News, because within it such good news has been received." 
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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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Last Day to Shop the Sale!

Prices return to normal at midnight tonight! (Almost) Everything is on sale in the shop! Earrings start at $14.00.
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Mystery Earring Grab Bag

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Nativity of Mary Birthday Earrings

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12th & BLOSSOM FAVORITES

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Earrings - Miracle of the Sun

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Source and Summit Earrings

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Blessings!
Mary Claire Scholl Founder + Artist, 12th and Blossom maryclaire@12thandblossom.com
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