Question: I would like to ask about the sanctuary for Lent. In an effort to conform to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM] guidelines for "moderation," I would like to know if it is permissible to place a small “desert scene” on the ground in front of the altar? Our parish has done this for years, and in the last two years or so I have tried to minimize this to conform to a more moderate effect. We omit flowers; otherwise, our small sanctuary has only a hanging purple banner and an ambo banner, also in purple, along with a purple sash draped over the crucifix. — P.G., California
