Lenten Crosses

Many area residents have commented on the significance and meaning of Lenten tableau of three crosses displayed on the lawn of Sacred Heart church fronting heavily trafficked School Street, Manchester-by the Sea.

“The tableau of crosses, a graphic representation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, is meant to be thought provoking. Traditionally we see the three crosses of Calvary grouped upright side by side. At Sacred Heart, the cross in front draped in purple for Lent depicts the triumph of Christ the Redeemer on Good Friday. The first of two crosses in the background resembles how the weight of the cross must have been borne by Jesus, driving him to His knees as he journeyed to Calvary in excruciating pain, humiliation and suffering,” observed Father Paul Flammia, pastor of Sacred Heart, Manchester by-the Sea and St John, Essex.

“The second cross is that which each of us bears in life, weighed down by challenges of physical and mental health, addiction, domestic stress , family strife and so much more. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, it is also the cross we are called to assist others- the homeless, the poverty stricken, the underemployed, the troubled in spirit-in carrying. As scripture informs us, Jesus said,’ Deny yourself, take up my cross and follow me.’ In this Lent leading to Easter we are all called to follow Christ. That is what Sacred Heat’s crosses mean.”

Knights of Columbus, Masconomo Council 1232, erected the tableau of Lenten crosses at the direction of Father Flammia at Sacred Heart, School Street Manchester by the Sea just as they constructed the parish’s manger scene during Advent.