The History and Meaning of Veiling Statues and the Crucifix During Lent 

This past week I was in Colorado to visit our 6- and 8-year-old granddaughters. We attended their Saturday Vigil Mass on Laetare Sunday. Two things caught my attention. First, the priest did not wear the traditional rose-colored vestment which is optional. Secondly, was that the church had already veiled their crucifix. During Lent, veiling the crucifix and statues is optional, but the more common practice is to veil beginning with the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Passion (Passiontide) Sunday. 

Two years ago, I wrote an article on this ancient practice, but from the perspective on “why some Catholic churches veil their statutes.” This time, I wish to go a little deeper and approach the topic from a historical perspective.