Crucifixes and crosses in the church are veiled in purple throughout Passiontide. The only exceptions to this are the crosses on the Stations of the Cross, the votive candle stand, and when the veil is removed from the Altar Crucifix on Good Friday.Veiling/covering is a sign of mourning, and the spirit of the Passiontide veiling hopefully encourages us to draw off our attention from everything but Christ and His suffering. In short, the Church calls us to "consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners." (Hebrews 12:3)
The veiling is also a very powerful symbol of the hiding of our Lord's glory throughout His earthly life, and especially during His bitter passion.
Parishioners are encouraged to set aside this time for Christ, and to ensure the clearing of their calendars for the Maundy Thursday evening Mass with the Stripping of the Altar, the subsequent all-night Vigil at the Altar of Repose, and Good Friday's Mass of the Pre-Sanctified and Quiet Day.
More information on Holy Week activities will be posted the saturday before Palm Sunday.
