Certainly the novels of Walker Percy are not one-dimensional allegories, but there is no doubt that he was deeply aware of the power of the sacraments, and he communicated that through his fiction. I’m sure I’m not the first to consider this, but I was recently struck by the thought that each of Percy’s novels has its own sacramental theme. In some novels he may light brush by the sacrament, but in every instance it is a key to unlocking the story.

• The Moviegoer — The Eucharist (Lonnie’s devotion to the Mass and the importance of communion with one another)
• The Last Gentleman — Baptism (The climactic baptism of Jamie is the first hint at a deeper purpose to life)
• Love in the Ruins — Unction (Dr. More’s lapsometer treatments are meant to bring balance, healing and protection)
• Lancelot — Confession (The entire book is a soulful confession to Fr. John)
• The Second Coming -- Marriage (Will and Allie’s relationship helps to save them both)
• Thanatos Syndrome — Holy Orders (Fr. Smith’s devotion and unique calling as one who stands apart speaking the truth and praying)

To cover all of the seven sacraments, I could further suggest that Lost in the Cosmos is Percy’s version of a confirmation class.

I should spend more time exploring each of these. Perhaps I’ll take the time to do that someday, but right now it is good enough for me to know that I can contemplate the power of the sacraments in a new way by considering them through Percy’s stories and characters.

Tags: sacraments

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