Sanctus:
**I’m just wondering how Holy Cards have helped you spiritually. **They are comforting to me when I’m going through something difficult, or even when I just need to pray for a specific purpose and want intercession. They are small enough to keep in my purse, desk, end table, or anywhere.
To me, like someone already mentioned, they are art. I am somewhat picky about those I buy, either new or old, they have appeal to me visually and have a good prayer. Some I own do not have prayers, but were purchased just for their beauty.
Holy Cards have helped me learn of the existence of Saints I wasn’t aware of prior, special prayers and novenas I hadn’t heard of and have given me knowledge of the saints lives, patronage and sufferings I may not have learned otherwise.
What do you do with your Holy Cards? I keep some relevant to my current needs in the zipper compartment of my purse. If I am feeling need for intercession by a particular saint, I will have that Saint’s holy card/prayer with me whenever I wish to pray.
Those I am not currently using I have in a rectangular black leather box lined with red satin - which based on the brand name inscribed, I can only assume once held golf balls long ago
I have one or two tucked in the edge of some of the mirrors in my home, was not my intention at the outset, it just kind of worked out that way - downstairs bathroom has Mary, downstairs entranceway mirror has Sacred Heart of Jesus. Have St Joseph Protector of Homes and St Michael tucked into edge of picture by front door, and St Christopher in the instrument panel of my car.
I also use them as bookmarks, sometimes in a card to someone who has experienced a loss, or some other occasion.
How many do you have? Hundreds… I collect them, antique or foreign for the most part, but some not fitting either criteria, just particularly useful or beautiful for some reason.
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Which Saints Holy Cards to you treasure most? ** St Anne has been very dear to me, as are all my Mary cards. Others would be St Michael, St Christopher, St Joseph and St Jude. But there are more, and they are really all dear to me…
—Do you keep them in your Bible? Occasionally.
—Do you keep them in your Prayer Book? No.
—Do you set them out where you pray at home? No, they’re usually kept either in my purse or in the case the rest are kept in, I don’t have a set place that I pray and setting them out doesn’t feel right, they are more of personal thing to me. Sometimes one will be on my nightstand, or in an end table drawer or two, but not because I planned to put them there, just because I put them there during my travels after praying.
—Do you give them out to others? Yes, even to those who aren’t Catholic. Some cards I own are not specifically Saint related, some are prayers to Jesus in a time of need or sorrow, another I gave out recently was a girl scout prayer. Have a friend at work who I always discuss Catholic matters with. She is pregnant and works the shift after I do, so sometimes I will leave one on her desk, relevant to motherhood or others that I know will make her smile, just to let her know I’m thinking of her. My teenage daughter is still learning the faith, so I will sometimes give her one I found during a purchase online that I think she will enjoy. She does seem to like them. She chose Maria Gorretti as her patron saint for confirmation, after having receiving her Holy Card from me last year and becoming interested in her.
**—Do you bring them to Mass/Adoration? ** No, only to confession, which I take the act of contrition, it helps if I’m nervous and am worried I will forget the words…
