Description
The tradition of home shrines first started evolving within the American Southwest all over the Mexican colonial period, when priests ceaselessly traveled to homes to accomplish mass, novenas, baptisms, and marriages, a practice that continues these days. This colorful book features the personal altars of most commonly Hispanic families living within the towns and villages of northern New Mexico. Most are devoutly Catholic, and even though Roman Catholic dogma does not officially recognize home shrines, the altar tradition for most Hispanos is an indication of being “Catholic from the heart.” Their private altars allow for devotion in day-to-day life, a practice embraced by those of all beliefs who desire personal sacred places to meditate, pray, or reflect. These portraits will serve as an inspiration for even the least devout among us desiring more spirituality in our lives.