Passiontide Sunday, also known as the Fifth Sunday of Lent, marks the beginning of the final two weeks of preparation before Easter. It is a time when the focus of the liturgy shifts from Jesus’ fasting in the desert to His impending suffering and death.
It is traditionally called Judica Sunday, named after the first word of the Entrance Antiphon: “Judica me, Deus” (Judge me, O God) from Psalm 42.
Churches traditionally veil all crucifixes, statues, and sacred images in violet cloth. This symbolizes a “fasting of the eyes,” building anticipation for the joy of Easter.
The practice is inspired by the traditional Gospel reading for this day, where Jesus “hid Himself” and went out of the temple when the Jews attempted to stone Him (Jn 8:59).
While most images are covered, the Stations of the Cross are never veiled, as they are essential for the faithful to follow Jesus’ journey to Calvary during this time.