The family is often referred to as the “domestic church,” because the members of the Christian household gathered together form the basic “cell” of the church, which is the Body of Christ, and so the Christian home should be recognized as a sacred place.
I want to suggest that, in order to remind yourself and the members of our family of the sacredness of your home, it is important to display religious symbols in the home. The placing of a crucifix in the rooms of the home, and images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, are a constant reminder of the faith that is central to the lives of the members of the family, and an invitation to pray together. The placing of religious images in the home was once a very common practice among Catholics, but not so much anymore. I remember in by grandmother’s home there was a placard with an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the words (as best as I can recall): “Jesus Christ is the King of this Home; the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.” That image always made me aware of the benign and watchful presence of Our Lord in that home. That placard also denoted the fact that the home had been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Consider making your home a truly sacred place by means of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. By “enthroning” the image of the Sacred Heart and practicing devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus the faith of the family grows. They are strengthened in virtue and protected from evil. The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart is an easy and effective way to sanctify your home and bring God’s blessings upon your domestic church.
Msgr. Stephan Moloney
Columbus, OH
Welcome His Heart into your home kit here.
