This is one of my home altars, situated in my living room. The other is in my bedroom and has a statue of Maria Rosa Mystica. The statue of Mary pictured above is quite a contemporary one, and I love it! It is beautiful smooth, white porcelain, and the faces of both Mary and Jesus are serene and full of peace. I first made a home altar in the living room at Christmas when I made my Advent wreath, and decided to keep a statue there after the Christmas season. This has been quite a big thing for me, as the rest of my family are not Catholic or even Christian…yet there, in the centre of my “Domestic Church”, is the Blessed Virgin cradling her Son. It is a place of quiet reflection in the midst of a busy household, and I regularly light a candle, and make sure that there are alwasy fresh flowers!
The red candle is the one I was given at the Mass of the Presentation of Jesus (Candlemass) and the photograph of Pope John Paul II is a postcard I chanced upon in a box of postcards in a charity shop 
The Saint Therese card is one which was sent to me two years ago when I was recovering from my hysterectomy. I also include a prayer card of St. Joseph, the patron Saint of Fathers, for my husband (on whose behalf I regularly pray for St. Joseph’s intercession). The icon is my favourite icon ~ Our lady of Perpetual Succour:
The icon depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary wearing a dress of dark red with a blue mantle and veil. On the left is the Archangel Michael, carrying the lance and sponge of the crucifixion of Jesus. On the right is the Archangel Gabriel carrying a 3-bar cross and nails. This type of icon is a later type of Hodegetria composition, where Mary is pointing to her Son, known as a Theotokos of the Passion. The Christ-child has been alarmed by a pre-sentiment of his passion, and has run to his mother for comfort. The facial expression of the Virgin Mary is solemn and is looking directly at the viewer instead of her son. Jesus is portrayed clinging to his mother with a dangling sandal. The Greek initials on top read Mother of God, Michael Archangel, Gabriel Archangel, and Jesus Christ, respectively.
Do you have a home altar? If so, I would love to see it!
thank you for your suggestions about Ireland and Europe and please see
My Home Altar in response to Mrs Pogle’s Request
on http://www.takeapewwithme.blogspot.com
None of my family have faith either and my home altar would not really be wlecomed in their home either so I really understand how important it is for you to make something like this.
By: Catherine on May 12, 2009
at 5:40 pm
I love the statue, its simple lines really appeal to me. Thanks for your recent comment on my blog. Everything is pretty much as I shared before. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in caring. Forgot to add we really like icons here too!
By: Alison on May 13, 2009
at 9:41 am
please see tuesdays post on my blog it is in response to your request to see other home altars
By: Catherine on May 14, 2009
at 12:21 am
Beautiful! And thank you for linking to me also.
By: Aggie on May 14, 2009
at 11:41 pm
This is beautiful! When the children are a little older I would love to have an alter in our bedroom. We often make an alter on the fireplace for evening prayers and the children love to set it up and arrange flowers on it. It would be lovely to have a permanent one somewhere.
Thanks for sharing. And the inspiration!
By: Suzy on May 15, 2009
at 4:57 pm
Thank you for your responses ~ it’s lovely to share these little, daily aspects of faith with each other
Mrs.P xxx
By: Mrs.Pogle on May 17, 2009
at 12:06 pm
This is something that has been brewing in the back of my mind. I know I need an altar. I’m in the process of painting/organizing my bedroom. I want one here and another in my living room.
That icon is a favorite of mine.
Blessings,
Julie
By: Joyful Days on May 18, 2009
at 4:36 am
Dear Mrs pogle,
I just discovered your lovely website.
I noticed your post about wearing the veil. I also wear my matilla or scarf when at mass or in prayer in the adoration chapel. My dear husband, daughter, son in law , grand baby son and 8 year old grand daughter all are parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Edmond, Oklahoma USA.
We also have a home altar. I am attempting to send a picture. the icons are of st. Michael and St. Raphael. The The statues are the Arch Angel Gabriel which I got at a resale shop. The large statue of Our Lady was found much battered in a discount department store bin . I repainted it recently. As you see ( I hope) there is a bit of a southwestern American flair to the altar as there is in our entire home. We tell people our decor is called Cowboys and Indians. Living in OKlahoma this is not a difficult style to cultivate although most homes here are not this style.
I am looking forward to keeping up with your site and links.
http://forums.catholic.com/picture.php?albumid=315&pictureid=2233
By: Diana on June 6, 2009
at 3:10 pm
Ooh, that’s lovely, Diana! Looks like a beautiful place to stop and pray…
Thanks for dropping by
Mrs.P xx
By: Mrs.Pogle on June 6, 2009
at 4:54 pm