The Catholic Standard and Times

Deadly sins, living virtue: Do you know what it all means?

By NADIA POZO
CS&T Staff Writer

There’s no need to feel guilty if your memory is foggy when it comes to the seven deadly sins and their corresponding virtues. You’re not alone.

That’s why Father Philip Bochanski of the Society of the Oratory of St. Francis Xavier will be presenting a 10-week adult faith formation series, “Fighting the Seven Capital Sins,” beginning Feb. 6 at Saint Francis Xavier School in Philadelphia.

“I’m convinced there is a hunger beyond [the sacrament of] confirmation, when most people stop their Catholic education,” Father Bochanski said.
And he’s right. The first series, which he held a few months back, was well attended. It was devoted to helping Catholics have a greater understanding and confidence in answering some key questions that are often asked about the Catholic faith.

“We set up chairs for about 22 people and over 40 came,” Father Bochanski said.

From that diverse group of people, he received many suggestions for his next series, but one suggestion came up repeatedly: the nature of sin.

“A lot of times, we boil down sin to ‘I did this’ or ‘I didn’t do that,’ taking a legalistic approach. But in reality it’s a deadly thought — it’s an attitude,” Father Philip said.

“That’s why it’s important to understand how these sins get into our minds, our hearts, our action and in our speech. They bring other sins with them,” he said. “If you can get to the root, it becomes easier to deal with the resulting sinful actions.”

Father Bochanski’s approach for the series will be to present the truth according to the Catholic Church and to identify the lies through which sin enters.

He will discuss ways to avoid and overcome such sins, and how to replace them with virtue and good habits, developing strategies to fight “the good fight of faith,” he said.

Father Bochanski said he doesn’t pretend to know all the answers, or to be free from any temptation to those sins, himself. But, he said, he has the Church’s spiritual heritage to stand on in tackling the deadly sins that cause such havoc in people’s lives.

He’ll be drawing on the spiritual wisdom of the Desert Fathers — early moral theologians such as St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great — and great spiritual directors such as St. Philip Neri and Father Lorenzo Scupoli, as well
as Sacred Scripture and Church tradition.

“Take courage,” Jesus tells us in Scripture. “I have overcome the world.”

Father Bochanski said he hopes to impart that courage that was won by Christ’s victory.

Those who attend will also gain invaluable insight into the nature of sin and the freedom that comes in fostering virtue.

And those enrolled in the religious certification program of the Office of Catechetical Formation of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who attend the series will receive credit toward their certification.

CS&T staff writer Nadia Pozo can be reached at npozo@adphila.org or (215) 965-4614.

Deadly sins — living virtue: Fighting the seven capital sins

WHAT: A free adult faith-formation series that discusses the falsehoods behind the seven deadly sins. It is open to all adults, with a special welcome for young adults.

WHEN: Weekly Monday night meetings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Feb. 6 through April 10.

WHERE: St. Francis Xavier School, 24th and Wallace Streets, Philadelphia
For more information, call (215) 765-4568.

Schedule:
February 6: Introduction
Defining sin, identifying the enemy and the great lie, and building a basic plan of attack for spiritual combat.

February 13 — Gluttony
Understanding the relationship between body and soul, and the importance of temperance and mortification.

February 20 — Lust
The nature and purpose of sexuality and sexual relationships, and the connection between chastity, honesty and real love

February 27 — Avarice (Greed)
Avoiding the trap of being possessed by our possessions. Understanding detachment and generosity as a way of life.

March 6 — Break: No Session
Please join the parish community for our annual Novena of Grace in honor of St. Francis Xavier at 7:30 p.m. in the church.

March 13 — Anger
Rooting out the spiritual poison of bitterness and grudges. Taking difficult steps toward mercy and real forgiveness.

March 20 — Acedia (Sloth)
Fighting the “noonday demon” of restlessness and despair, and looking at the virtue of hope as a foundation for happiness.

March 27 — Envy
Identifying what St. Augustine called “the diabolical sin.” Practicing charity toward others, and finding contentment with God’s gifts.

April 3 — Pride
Recognizing “the source of all sin.” Understanding faith and humility as essential to a real relationship with God.

April 10 — Conclusion
Appreciating the gifts of the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, and prayer, as well as the tradition of spiritual direction.