The Veiling Tradition

THE VEILING TRADITION  

Veiling of religious images with violet during Passiontide  

For 1500 years the church has veiled the altar (Hunger Cloth)  and all images except Stations of the Cross as an extra  penance for the eyes.  

This is still done starting on Passion Sunday, in fitting with the  last words of the day’s reading (“Jesus hid himself,” John  8:59) to visualize the darkness of sin, the mourning of the  divine Bridegroom and to usher the most solemn part of Lent.  

In a way, those are widow’s garments. Veils are removed on  Good Friday. Families can do this at home too as a reminder  of the season. Here is additional information:  

The liturgical meaning of Passion Sunday  

An SSPX mom’s account and application      

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