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