My Altar…

Roman Catholic Altar
Contributed by Bro. Andrew Esguerra

My Roman Catholic altar is a plastic case that was bought from Binondo, the kind that is used to keep Chinese deities. It houses a majestic Santo Niño I bought on my visit to Cebu during the Sinulog festival as this particular statue “spoke” to me. Together with the Santo Niño are statues of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, famous for his gift of healing and ability to bilocate. At the middle of the two statues, I was fortunate to own one of Padre Pio’s relics, a piece of the monk’s robe. Two angel candle holders guard the altar and a bronze censer is used to hold incense sticks. Also on my altar are a set of tarot cards, a bible, a prayer book, my book of spells, anointing oils and a native box containing the names of my deceased relatives and friends.

Devotional Altar
Contributed by Bro. Andrew Esguerra

The next altar as you can see shows a collection of Byzantine icons. At the center is the most beloved icon in the Philippines, the Mother of Perpetual Help. Beside her are the images from the lives of Jesus and Mary - The Transfiguration, The Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Ascension, the Presentation and The Dormition (Assumption). My altar helps me to pray, meditate and invigorates my personal devotions. The peace and serenity I experience by just gazing at these holy images gives me hope and tranquility, always reminding me that the healing presence of divinity is always there to protect and guide me.

Working Altar
Contributed by Rene Espinosa
Reproduced with permission, taken from http://mysticlake317.multiply.com

The working altar. This sacred place is utilized to consecrate the herbs I use for making incenses and charms. The pot in the middle is used to burn incense, to give an offering to Bathala or for other magical workings.

Altar in honor of the Deceased
Courtesy of Rici Teves of SUFI-ISIS; Photo by Ishilta

In honor of its founder, Mang Mike Nator, SUFI-ISIS maintains an altar that enshrines his ashes and relics at their main office.

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