Do you have a dedicated space in your home for prayer and meditation, such as a family altar or oratory? This is a cherished tradition among Roman Catholic families, where they create a special place to share their faith.
The creation of a home altar can vary depending on personal preferences and available space. Some Catholics choose their bedrooms, while others designate their living rooms or even dedicate an entire room for prayer.
Having a designated space for prayer in your home reflects the priorities of your family unit. It demonstrates your commitment to embracing the responsibilities of the “Domestic Church,” a term used to describe a Christian family that lives out their faith daily, nurturing their members with love and encouragement to embrace virtuous living.
One of the documents of the Vatican II – Lumen Gentium (Light of the Nations) says “From the wedlock of Christians there comes the family, in which new citizens of human society are born, who by the grace of the Holy Spirit received in baptism are made children of God, thus perpetuating the people of God through the centuries.The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care vocation to a sacred state”. Pope Benedict XVI said, “every home is called to become a ‘domestic church’ in which family life is completely centred on the lordship of Christ and the love of husband and wife mirrors the mystery of Christ’s love for the Church, his bride”. (LG, 11)
This concept of gathering to worship and share the Gospel in the presence of God around an altar has biblical roots (Matthew 18:20, Psalm 84:10, Exodus 25:8). These verses express God’s desire to be in the midst of His people and the longing of our hearts to be in the presence of God and spend time in his house.
A simple Altar
To create your home altar, you can begin with a sturdy table that will serve as its foundation. This table can host various items, including:
Icons depicting your favourite saints,
A crucifix or cross,
An image or statue of Our Lady,
Prayer cards,
Candles,
A Bible, prayer books, and a Holy Rosary, among others.
Consider dressing the table in white linen or using colours that correspond to the liturgical seasons such as pink, green, purple, or red, representing Advent, Lent, the Sacred Paschal Triduum, Easter, and Ordinary Time. This visual reminder helps align the disposition of your heart with the particular season.
Sacred Heart Altar
As a Catholic family, it is customary to have at least one rosary, if not multiple, on your altar. Keeping extra rosaries available can be helpful for visitors or guests who may wish to pray with you. Devotion to Our Lady holds great significance in the prayer life of a Catholic family, as the rosary is considered a powerful weapon against evil.
Traditionally, Catholic homes often have holy water placed throughout the house. You may choose to keep a bottle of holy water on your altar, allowing you and your family to bless yourselves throughout the day.
Feel free to add as much detail as you desire when building your Catholic home altar. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother, as they can provide assistance in creating a worthy place for Jesus in your home, just as Mary did in her womb.
Prior to placing these articles of prayer or sacramentals in your home, it is essential to seek the blessing of a priest. You can either bring them to the priest for their blessing or invite the priest to your home to bless and install them in their designated place(s). This act of seeking the priest’s blessing ensures the sacredness and spiritual efficacy of these items within your home.
As you establish your home altar, may the radiant light of Christ and the heavenly hosts abide within your home, casting out all darkness and enveloping you and your household with profound peace.
If you have any further questions, I’ll be happy to help.
Join the #myaltarchallenge and share your experiences!
– Fr. James Anyaegbu
As a single lady , am I allowed to own one because I was told while growing up that singles cannot own one.
You can have your own altar. An altar in your home is a great way of inviting the presence of God, encountering Him. It has nothing to do with being married or not. See it as a place for divine encounter, where you can daily encounter the Lord in your home.