Passiontide: Do you remember why we covered the statues? ~ Photos and article by Janet Stern

The 5th Sunday of Lent is historically known as "Passion Sunday" which ushers in the final two weeks of Lent, called "Passiontide."  Passiontide is characterized by a heightened celebration of Lent as Easter approaches, reaching its peak during Holy week.  During this period the faithful redouble their Lenten penances.

It is also customary on this day to shroud all the sacred images in the churches with purple cloths, save the Stations of the Cross.  On Good Friday the crucifixes are unveiled, while the other sacred images are unveiled on the afternoon of Holy Saturday in preparation for the Easter Vigil.

This imagery calls to mind how Christ hid his Divinity during his Passion and death, no longer performing miracles until his Resurrection from the dead.  Likewise, the holy images are veiled in imitation of their Lord, their glory being unveiled with the joy of the celebration.

Thanks to Donna Gorman for working late into the night to complete these covers for our statues.


~ Photos by Janet Stern
~ Excerpt taken from Morning Offering