Does Your Church Veil?

[Apotheoun]

In just a couple of weeks the Latin Church near my house will turn its crucifix around in order to reveal the risen Christ. I just cannot wait.

[img]http://www.qaschurch.org/i/Renovation/Crucifix_LR.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.qaschurch.org/i/Renovation/Crucifix_of_The_Risen_Christ.JPG[/img]

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Apotheoun' date='24 March 2010 - 04:53 AM' timestamp='1269424429' post='2078898']
In just a couple of weeks the Latin Church near my house will turn its crucifix around in order to reveal the risen Christ. I just cannot wait.

[img]http://www.qaschurch.org/i/Renovation/Crucifix_LR.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.qaschurch.org/i/Renovation/Crucifix_of_The_Risen_Christ.JPG[/img]
[/quote]
It spins??? How inspiring.

[Guest Frassati Youth]

I just thought I'd add some of my reflections on this topic.

The Catholic church I attend veils all its saint statues in purple coverings during lent. These statues, including: St. Joan of Arc, St. Joseph, St. John Marie Vianney, and St. Anthony, are all nestled inside the wooden coves of the side alters. Each year I'm caught off guard when I see the statues covered (even though I know that they will be covered.) My eyes dart around the room wanting to rest on something.

When these statues are veiled, I realize how empty the church becomes. It's a bit unsettling, but that is what we are suppose to feel. We are entering into a time where we can unite our suffering to Christ’s suffering. The simple action of covering the statues brings to mind what this world would be like without Christ. Without the resurrection, we would not have these amazing saints as examples of how to lead a holy lives. And of course without Christ, we would not have eternal life!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='Frassati Youth' date='24 March 2010 - 10:10 AM' timestamp='1269443402' post='2079011']
I just thought I'd add some of my reflections on this topic. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif[/img]

The Catholic church I attend veils all its saint statues in purple coverings during lent. These statues, including: St. Joan of Arc, St. Joseph, St. John Marie Vianney, and St. Anthony, are all nestled inside the wooden coves of the side alters. Each year I'm caught off guard when I see the statues covered (even though I know that they will be covered.) My eyes dart around the room wanting to rest on something.

When these statues are veiled, I realize how empty the church becomes. It's a bit unsettling, but that is what we are suppose to feel. We are entering into a time where we can unite our suffering to Christ's suffering. The simple action of covering the statues brings to mind what this world would be like without Christ. Without the resurrection, we would not have these amazing saints as examples of how to lead a holy lives. And of course without Christ, we would not have eternal life!


[/quote]


And, to add to what you have said, what I like about the Good Friday veiling is the effect when the crosses and statues are UNVEILED at the Easter Vigil. The church is dark while the veils are removed, and (at least in the Anglican tradition) some of the "pretty things" like ornate candlesticks that were previously removed are returned to the altar. It's been a long time, but I think they may bring in Easter lilies at this time. too. Then all of sudden, with the singing of the Easter hymn, the church lights are turned up bright, and all the glory of the church is revealed again at Christ's resurrection.

It's odd, I've been to 3 or 4 Anglican or Anglo-Catholic churches that veiled for Easter vigil, so I just assumed that it was standard practice in the Catholic church. I forget sometimes that some Anglican churches, particularly Anglo-Catholic churches, are almost "more Catholic than the Catholics" with incense at every eucharist, etc. However, it makes sense, in a way, because the British are known for loving beautiful ceremonies.

Edited March 24, 2010 by IgnatiusofLoyola