This is one wall of our "prayer room," where I do my morning prayers.
Years ago, I would have been horrified at the sight of all these trinkets, pictures, and "dumb idols." That's how I would have characterized it.
But no, Catholics use images to help raise their minds and imaginations to that which is heavenly.
Think how an athlete may be inspired by taking a tour through a sports hall of fame, with all kinds of legendary sports imagery surrounding him. Or maybe a patriot visiting the memorials, statues, buildings, and other historical reminders in Washington, D.C., or Boston, or NYC, etc.
Meditative prayer involves the imagination, and when our eyes behold heavenly images, it helps burn the realities they represent into our minds and hearts.
