Creative Ways to Use Holy Cards
“Rely on the mighty Lord; constantly seek his face.” (1 Chronicles 16:11).
Prayer, in all its variety of forms – attending Mass, partaking in the sacraments, and participating in a Bible study or prayer group – is a wonderful opportunity to further our personal relationships with the Lord. The Church also provides us with tangible tools to help us orient our focus toward Him, such as religious icons, jewelry, and holy cards. Here, I’m going to focus on creative uses of holy cards.
Now, there is nothing wrong with having a stash of holy cards neatly (or not so neatly!) organized in a box or in a drawer, but if you’d like to experiment with other options, then this list is for you.
As a bookmark
I personally find that there is something very satisfying in flipping through the pages of a paper book. A prayer card can serve as a handy bookmark. Consider laminating your card to provide it with more structural integrity. If you have an electronic reader, secure your card to the outside or inside cover of your reader.
At workstations
On the desk I use for work at home, I have three prayer cards that are particularly meaningful for me on display (but that calls for a separate article): Divine Mercy, Saint Anne, and Saint Anthony of Padua. If you don’t have a traditional workstation at home or at your place of work, you can strategically place your cards in other rooms around your home or other pertinent spaces (such as in your car).
As art
Now this suggestion is great for those who enjoy arts and crafts. Create a collage made up of holy cards, frame it, and hang it in your home. Another option is to transform a scrapbook or a photobook into a holy card book to create a fun way for you, your family, or guests at your home to engage with the cards. Each month (or at an interval that makes sense for you), consider choosing a holy card for you and your family to pray with.
Another interesting and artistic way to involve the family is to make your own prayer cards. Start by choosing a saint or blessed person to honor through your card. Draw their image on the front, either based on an image of the person or how you visualize the person to have looked. On the back, write out one of their quotes, a Bible passage that reflects the essence of this person’s life, or a relevant prayer (either your own or an existing prayer). Like with purchased cards, laminating your homemade cards can extend their lifespan. If drawing is not your forte, there are various online design tools to get you on your way.
Experiment with different ways to display, store, or use holy cards to find an approach that works well for you.
Sarah Gagliano Taliun is a genetics professor with many interests in addition to studying DNA. She and her husband now call Montreal home. When she is not reading a scientific article or meeting with students, Sarah can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading her Bible or taking a walk in nature.