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Sculptures of seven deadly sins give impetus to Lenten reflection
By LINDA M. LINONIS
STRUTHERS
Marian Gura keeps it simple when she decorates for Lent at Holy Trinity Church.
That’s in keeping with the somber tone of the season that includes penance, reflection and fasting as preparation for Christ’s resurrection on Easter.
In the sanctuary of the church at 250 N. Bridge St., which is part of Christ Our Savior Parish with St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth St., there is a wooden cross draped with a cloth of purple, the color of this liturgical time, and a crown of thorns. At the base are a handmade cat o’nine tails, which is a whip; hammer and nails. Banners with a single word – forgiven – also are displayed.
In an area under the altar, there are sculptures conveying the seven deadly sins: pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth. A purple cloth supplies the backdrop for the striking arrangement that provides plenty to ponder.
Gura said the late Rev. William Petrunak, former pastor, acquired the interesting sculptures. The church has had them about six to eight years. Gura said the priest usually had decorated the church for all occasions, but when he couldn’t continue, she was “drafted.”
“I like doing it,” Gura said of the effort that has spanned a decade. “It’s a hobby.”
In addition to lending an appropriate seasonal look in the church, Gura is the sacristan. The Rev. Bernard “Bob” Bonnot, current pastor, credited Gura with making sure everything is in the proper place for Masses and other services. “She is the environmental minister,” he said.
“For Lent, it’s simplicity,” Gura said of the decor. “It’s a time to reflect ... a solemn time to dwell on your life.”
“The seven capital sins are the dimensions of evil. They are the human tendencies that make us fall short of what God created us to be,” Father Bonnot said. Evil is rooted in these sins, the priest said, adding that out of these sins come “shoots of other sins.”
Lent is a time, Father Bonnot said, to examine shortcomings and sins and try to rectify them. But, he cautioned, Lent isn’t about “giving up something.” “Don’t give up pickles, when the real problem is anger,” he said. “Don’t give up ice cream when the real problem is greed.
“Lent is a time to work on those deep, inner impulses,” he said. He continued that the season provides the chance to “acknowledge what is in us,” then to educate ourselves and address it.
Father Bonnot explained the word Lent comes from the Greek metanoia, repentance. “This is about a profound inner change of our mindset, values and priorities,” he said.
He said the Catholic Church is observing the Year of Mercy; the goal is “to be merciful like the Father.”
“Lent is the time to change focus and “see what God wants us to see,” Father Bonnot said. He urged people to be open “to hear the Word and let it change you and become what you were called to be.”
In the secular world, some of the seven deadly sins have caused wars over oil, power and water supplies, moved people to practice risky behaviors and resulted in social injustice and poverty.