Скачать или смотреть Passiontide Veiling 2021

This short video, shot on St Joseph’s day, documents the veiling of the images in church for Passiontide. But why does the church carry out this practice?

First of all, we use veils to alert us of the special time that we are in. When we walk into church and notice everything is covered, we immediately know that something is different. These last two weeks of Lent are meant to be a time of immediate preparation for the Sacred Triduum and these veils are a forceful reminder to get ready.

Secondly, the veils focus our attention on the words being said at Mass. When we listen to the Passion narrative, our senses are allowed to focus on the striking words from the Gospel and truly enter into the scene.

Third, the Church uses veils to produce a heightened sense of anticipation for Easter Sunday. This is further actualised when you attend daily Mass and see the veils each day. You don’t want them to be there because they are hiding some very beautiful images.