tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post5738666711630069764..comments2023-11-05T16:19:05.197+08:00Comments on Unam Sanctam: Sacred Spaces in Casa Andrew: Altar in Grandma's RoomAndrewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09356738924839809045noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-26293277079032293122008-03-07T15:50:00.000+08:002008-03-07T15:50:00.000+08:00Anthony, the most basic thing you have to remember...Anthony, the most basic thing you have to remember is that the home altar should be a place of prayer. Everything should orient you towards that. Personally, having the Bible ON my altar does not help me in that and neither does having prayer books. For me, personally, the altar is a holy spot in my house which I have set aside and dedicated to God in a special way. <BR/><BR/>The Crucifix always dominates and is the central focus on the main altars in my house, such as the one in my room, in the main hall or in this case, in Grandma's room. Other altars are dedicated to the Virgin or to the Sacred Heart, but for the main altars, I have found that having the crucifix as the main focus of prayer to be the most helpful setup.<BR/><BR/>I try not to put books or Bibles on the surface of the altar. They are nearby but never on the altar. I also find having candles and lamps helpful to make the environment conducive to prayer.<BR/><BR/>These are the things that help me to pray and help me focus. And these differ from person to person.<BR/><BR/>Ultimately, it all boils down to yourself and what helps you to pray, because that's the most important thing.<BR/><BR/>But if if I may be so bold, I'd like to suggest getting a nice goodly sized crucifix as the centre point. Of course images if the Virgin, St. Joseph and any or all of your favourite patron saints should be there as well. God in Heaven is always portrayed as being surrounded by His angels and His saints. And a lamp or candle holder to light when you are formally praying is a good idea as well.<BR/><BR/>There's no wrong or 'right' way to put up a home altar and there are as many variations as there are Catholics, I'm sure. But the most important thing is to pray and all these are helps.<BR/><BR/>Do let me know once you have it up, I would love to see it!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09356738924839809045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-90942742602135463112008-03-07T14:12:00.000+08:002008-03-07T14:12:00.000+08:00Dear Andrew, I've never been able to create a home...Dear Andrew, <BR/>I've never been able to create a home altar that was to my satisfaction. There are no official rules, and that's good and bad. Good because it gives a lot of freedom and flexibility. Bad because sometimes we don't have a clue. Usually, we do what we see other people do. There is no "How to construct a Catholic altar for your home" guide. Is there an ideal? What does a successful or effective altar do? Mine always seems too clutered with books like Bible(s), prayer book(s). And should we be concerned if a statue of our Lady is bigger than the crucifix? Or if your altar has a crucifix, does it make sense to have St. Joseph carrying Baby Jesus next to it? I could go on. Desperately seeking advice.anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06296248524361484973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-1387006143587620152008-03-01T15:32:00.000+08:002008-03-01T15:32:00.000+08:00Thanks, Mrs. Parkes.Thanks, Mrs. Parkes.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09356738924839809045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-81877264200800959192008-03-01T15:17:00.000+08:002008-03-01T15:17:00.000+08:00Absolutely beautiful!Absolutely beautiful!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-22335955209485362022008-02-29T23:57:00.000+08:002008-02-29T23:57:00.000+08:00Wow, Bro. Lawrence! Way to go!A truly worthy sacre...Wow, Bro. Lawrence! Way to go!<BR/><BR/>A truly worthy sacred space whose beauty lifts the soul to ponder the Divine. I recognize the crucifix from the front cover of Fr. Lang's Turning Towards the Lord. Thanks again for sharing the wonderful photo, Brother.Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09356738924839809045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14011761.post-82070441000516729992008-02-29T21:49:00.000+08:002008-02-29T21:49:00.000+08:00Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. http://farm2.stat...Thanks for sharing. Here's mine. <BR/><BR/>http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1048/1042929054_116654cd75.jpg<BR/><BR/>As you can see it uses many images from the iconographic tradition, namely as they are found in the 13th-century Roman basilica of San Clemente... so icons are not just an Eastern tradition!<BR/><BR/>Br Lawrence Lew, OPLawrence Lew OPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04600912414364976709noreply@blogger.com