My Household Church

 As part of the ND summer course, we have had some readings and videos about icons and their use. We have also had several readings and presentations by Hispanics on Guadalupe in relationship to both personal and public piety.  As a result one of the participants invited others to post icons used in their homes. In my conversations on their blog, I have been promoting virtual worship, including the Divine Office and livestreaming  of parish Masses. 

Here is my post. While that computer might look small in the photo, it is actually 3 ft. wide by almost 2 ft. high. The tapestry is 4 ft. high by 2 ft. wide.  

The Guadalupe Tapestry hangs from the hearth on the East wall of the Great Room of my house. Below it in front of the sealed fireplace is the screen of my Media computer. The monks of Saint Meinrad were celebrating Vespers last night.

Out from this worship and conference center, couches and comfortable chairs stretch toward the west entrance of my home. Above is a cathedral ceiling with sky lights. On the north side of the Great Room is a large dining table that looks out onto the north porch of my house. On the northwest corner, partially shielded is the kitchen. So a great place for living and hospitality. Guests have long said that it is like coming to church. In fact my childhood home seemed like a church, not so much from the small number of religious objects but rather from its sheer beauty as the handiwork of my parents. What they gave me was a culture of beauty.

Twenty years ago my dream was that someday I would be able to download Lauds and Vespers from around the world to a screen in front of my fireplace. The pandemic has been the realization of that dream. I am glad now that the worship that has always taken place here in this House Church is now connected to the worship of surrounding parishes and distant monasteries, cathedrals and basilicas. From my childhood when I began the personal celebration of the Divine Office at a home altar in an alcove of my bedroom, I have never felt alone but rather that I have been celebrating with Christians across time as well as space.