Well, it looks as though this thread is dying out. I think we should all bring it back!
I have finally set up my home altar (more of a shrine) in my bedroom. First, I purchased a small bookshelf that is about waist-height. It has one adjustable shelf inside which works well. Above the shelf is a large, certified copy of the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe purchased from the Basilica in Mexico City when I went there on pilgrimage two years ago. For Christmas a year ago, my mom had it professionally framed in a thick golden frame. Next to it are two rosaries; one is from the chapel of the Miraculous Medal in Paris and contains a small piece of the chair in which Mary sat when she appeared to St. Catherine Laboure, the other is a Guadalupe rosary. On the top shelf, directly beneath the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is a statue of St. Juan Diego, kneeling, and opening his tilma exposing the image of Mary. Its about 12’ and I purchased it at a Mexican market here in town for only $25…it really was a great deal. Next to him is a rosary, scented with roses, from the Basilica de Guadalupe, still in its case. On either side of the top shelf are two white pillar candles, and in between those, on either side of St. Juan Diego, are two potted cactus plants. On the middle shelf are my most prized possessions. In the middle is a large St. Anne statue, educating Mary, and next to her, a framed holy card with a second-class relic (piece of her habit) of St. Rita of Cascia, one of my patrons. Next to it is a plaster statue of St. Rita. Behind her is a statue of Our Lady of Czestochowa, one of my favorite Marian images (after Our Lady of Guadalupe). On the other side of St. Anne is a statue of St. Jude (recently repainted by me) and a small vial of St. Jude oil. Next to this is a framed holy card with a third-class relic of Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Behind this is a large statue of the Risen Christ. There are also two framed pictures; one with a painting of St. Maria Goretti, the other a photo of St. Therese of Lisieux, with a second class relic (a piece of her burial shroud). But most importantly of all is a first-class relic of Bl. Bartolo Longo, still in its case. On the bottom shelf is my box full of Holy Cards (I have over 1,500), my Bible and prayer books, and a wooden box with various sacramentals. On a small table next to the shrine is a 24" statue of Christ the Good Shepherd, with framed angels looking on above him. Across my room is another shrine; it consists of a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Mexico, a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and two holy cards, framed. One contains second-class relics (pieces of clothing) of Bl. Francisco & Jacinta Marto and the other a second class relic of Lucia dos Santos. I also have a life-size statue of the Divina Infantita (baby Mary) that I purchased in Mexico, and a very large statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Soon, I am getting a third-class relic of St. Anthony of Padua, a vial of miraculous St. Walburga “manna,” and something I’ve been waiting for…a first class relic of my patron Saint, St. Maria Goretti. Please say some prayers that these arrive soon!
I will try to post pictures soon. Thanks for the ideas. You all have some really wonderful shrines.
(just kiddin’…)
,this has reminded me to hurry and get it done.