Why We Create Altars
Our ministry, unbounded by physical walls, creates a “temple” or sanctuary wherever we find ourselves. Over the years, we have nurtured the practice of building sacred cross-cultural, inter-faith altars. These altars ground our retreat spaces in reverence, devotion, and the divine beauty of God. Adorned with paintings, photos, relics, icons, statues, and sacred objects, our altars collectively inspire and invite the healing Presence.
How We Select Items
Our dedicated Altar team sources sacred objects from all over the world and many have been crafted by artists in our community. Our items are carefully selected to represent diverse faiths and to align with the retreat’s theme. Having been blessed by holy waters and devotional hands, they become alive with prayer and channel spirit. When these items are brought together, they amplify and inspire Presence in the healing spaces and the hearts of participants.
What People Share
It’s not uncommon to hear gasps of awe when someone walks into one of our sanctuary spaces, as these images become anchors and devotional portals of intercession. These altars are like ritual offerings, pujas; expressions of love and devotion to the power and beauty of God, welcoming all who come to gather in healing.
What People Share
It’s not uncommon to hear gasps of awe when someone walks into one of our sanctuary spaces, as these images become anchors and devotional portals of intercession. These altars are like ritual offerings, pujas; expressions of love and devotion to the power and beauty of God, welcoming all who come to gather in healing.
“At the deepest level, an ‘open heart’ is spacious presence, in which the sense of separateness between yourself and the ‘other’ dissolves and there is the recognition of oneness, of shared consciousness. That recognition is love. Sensing the formless essence in another and recognizing it as one with your own essence – that’s what love is. All this is an intrinsic part of the awakened consciousness and the revelation of the spiritual dimension of life.” – Eckhart Tolle
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring an item from my altar?
We sometimes invite attendees to bring a sacred item to our 4-day retreats. If you sign up for a 4-day retreat, will let you know beforehand if this is the case.
Are any of the altar items available for purchase?
During our 4-day retreats we host a bookstore for people to purchase sacred objects, jewelry, art, books and CDs. Many items that our community artists have created are offered there to help anchor the retreat energy into your home.
GIVING
Your generosity fuels our mission to make God real again, bringing wholeness through a deep relationship with the Divine.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have a need in your life right now? Our community of monks, ministers, friars, and brothers read your requests and pray for people daily.