I know of a few people who say with pride that they have a home altar. In my mind, I’m picturing a tasteful, aesthetically pleasing set-up, with even candles, a simple-yet-ornate crucifix and maybe some appropriately colored altar linens. However, without fail, whenever I see these tables, either in person or on the internet, I am always overwhelmed by the lack of beauty. Nothing against these people’s devotion, but I would, if I were to have a home altar, make it to rival any real one.
Well, I did.
Behold the fruits of my labor –
These are some home altars I found when I was doing my google-search for inspiration. (I didn’t receive much “inspiration” when looking online.) Here are the examples:
Tags: Orthodoxy at Work
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I have one at home and it is plain and simple. To me it is beautiful.
Here is why,
The carmelites on Jefferson road gave me one of their kneelers. On top of the kneeler I have a ledge which holds a scapular again from the Carmelites and a candle from my RCIA group. On the other side is a crucifix from a Sister (one of the good ones) and a picture of ST Therse my favorite Priest gave me at my confirmation.
A rosary from the person who led to my faith in the middle.
No linens, no color,..plain and to me it is beautiful.
Wow, congratulations to you Genjlcgettys and also you Sister Emily. I think both of you have added an excellent home renovation.
Gen is rich!
We've got something of a prayer/study room with a decent number of statues, a 2 person study desk, bookshelves full of bibles, missals, spiritual reading, prayer books, etc., a makeshift kneeler, a vatican flag, a rather nice holy water font, and the best part for the collegiate budget? All the furniture was acquired, free of charge! (Though the books and statues and such ilk have cost a few hundred dollars, thus far, with an ever-increasing collection. Now, if only I had the time to read it all…Christmas break, I suppose. I should start a blog and post pictures, or something.
I used to have just a simple table too, Sr. Emily. However, a friend pointed out a tabernacle for sale on eBay. Well, it just kept evolving from there! lol
And, no, I'm not rich. I just have friends in the right places. 😉
It is so nice to hear others have their own unique place to pray. Of course any place is good but putting work in a place and have it yours is nice. When I think of calvary I think plain, when I think heaven,I think,gold, beautiful crowns,beautiful robes, red rubies. Its all good.
Another favorite place,my car.
I know a couple people who say they only feel really prayerful when a Mass or in commute. I guess the car could be called a chapel-on-the-go.
Also, forgot to mention that those home altars which I have seen that are simple are beautiful in their simplicity. The true "errors of taste" come, in my opinion, when irreligious clutter begins (i.e. first of the example photos). The second example photo is what I would consider tastefully simple.