What is Passiontide?
In the Catholic tradition, Passiontide calls for a heightened awareness of the Lenten sacrifice by covering the crucifixes, artwork, statues and other beautiful reflections of the faith throughout the church. This time is a visual reminder of many important elements regarding Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity. During this period, Catholics are invited to focus on Jesus Christ, who willingly accepted suffering and death on the Cross out of His love for humanity, opening the way to eternal life. The veiling of images encourages deeper meditation on the Passion of Christ and His profound act of redemption.
What’s more, the somber nature of Passiontide reflects the sorrow and pain Christ endured, especially during His final days leading to the Crucifixion. As Catholics prepare for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, Passiontide reminds them of the immeasurable love Jesus displayed in sacrificing Himself to save humanity from sin.
St. Mary’s Church in Norwalk, CT during Passiontide, Courtesy of New Liturgical Movement
When is Passiontide?
Although not a universal practice, Passiontide falls during the last two weeks of Lent and begins with Passion Sunday, which is traditionally observed on the fifth Sunday of Lent. The most intense period of reflection on Jesus Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection, statues and images are covered in strict preparation for the Triduum, which consists of three days: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil.
Why Are Statues Covered in Purple During Lent?
Artwork, statues and crucifixes are beautiful representations of Catholicism. Passion Sunday reminds Catholics of the deep mystery of Christ’s redemptive suffering and how His love was manifested through sacrifice. This day shifts the Lenten emphasis from penance and preparation to meditating on Jesus Christ’s final journey to the Cross.
The veiling of these images during Passiontide symbolizes the darkness without faith. Without the invisible made visible, the Incarnation and Jesus Christ’s Life, Passion, Death and Resurrection, there would be no saints, no Mass, no Christmas, no Easter, no feasts or celebrations. By shrouding the sacred statues and images for these couple weeks before Easter, Catholics are encouraged to imagine the bleakness of a world without Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross and the hope of salvation and eternal life, and focus on the great gift of Life the Passion bestowed on humanity.
At the Easter Vigil, the veils are removed and the sacred statues and images revealed once again. New light and new life is brought into the church to inspire new hope. Like so many traditions, the veiling of the images represents a connection between the temporal and the eternal, life on earth, dim and clouded versus life in heaven with God and the saints, which is bright and glorious.
St. Catherine of Siena, Trumbull, CT Photo Credit: St. Catherine of Siena Parish
For more photos of Passiontide visit the New Liturgical Movement.
