Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we enter the Fifth Sunday of Lent, many of you may notice something striking as you walk into the church: statues and images are veiled. The main crucifix over the altar, The Blessed Mother and St. Joseph all disappear behind purple cloth; the lights on our saint portraits remain unlit, and the sanctuary takes on a more austere, almost stark appearance. It can feel a bit jarring. Why do we do this?
This practice comes from an older tradition in the Church tied to what was once called Passiontide, the final two weeks of Lent leading up to Holy Week. During this time, the Church intentionally narrows our focus. The veiling of images, on one hand does diminish the beauty of our sacred art, but on the other this practice heightens our awareness of what is about to unfold.
There is a kind of “fasting of the eyes” taking place. Just as we have fasted from food or given up comforts during Lent, so too the Church invites us to fast from visual richness. The statues and images we are so accustomed to seeing are temporarily hidden so that we might feel their absence. And in that absence, something powerful happens: we begin to long.
We long to see the saints again. We long to gaze upon the crucifix. We long for the fullness of beauty that fills our churches during the Easter season. In this way, the veiling builds anticipation. It’s meant to train our hearts to desire what will soon be revealed.
There is also a deeper theological meaning. In the Gospel readings around this time, we often hear of growing tension as Christ approaches His Passion—moments when He “hides Himself” from those who seek to harm Him (see John 8:59). The veiled images reflect this hiddenness. The glory of Christ is not absent, but concealed, as He moves steadily toward the Cross.
Then, on Good Friday, the crucifix is dramatically unveiled. The Church, which has “fasted” from this image, is invited to behold it anew: “Behold the wood of the Cross, on which hung the salvation of the world.” And we respond, “Come, let us adore.” The impact is greater because we have been deprived of it.
Following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, this practice became optional, but it remains a powerful and meaningful custom that many parishes continue to observe, as we will here at All Saints.
Ultimately, the veiling of sacred images is not about covering things up, but about sharpening our spiritual vision, deepening our longing, and preparing us to encounter the mystery of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection with renewed intensity.
So if the church feels a little emptier these days, take it as an invitation. Let the silence speak. Let the absence stir your desire. Something very beautiful is coming.
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor