|
12/4/04
Can anyone tell me the reason why we cover the crosses in church during Passiontide? Also is there any reason why you can not have more than one cross in the Sanctuary?
Peter Hooper
|
REPLIES
|
12/4/04
Malocolm |
The reason why crosses are covered in Passiontide goes back to medieval ages when most crosses in churches were very ornate, incrusted with jewels.
That is why crosses are covered.
Regards
Malcolm
Purification of the BVM Telford
|
12/4/04
Fr Barry Keeton |
I believe that crosses and statues were (are) veiled in Passiontide to deprive the faithful of the solace of looking upon the crucifix and the persons represented by the statues for of spiritual comfort. This is a sort of penitential exercise.
I wasn't aware that one could only have one cross in the sanctuary; there clearly is always the main cross as a focus, either free-standing or built into a reredos or on a wall behind the altar, or even in the stained glass of the east window. There may sometimes be one on a credence table. There isn't really any need for more than one cross in the sanctuary; that one cross should be the focus to which the eye goes.
I'm not infallible, but this may be of some help.
Fr. Barry Keeton, Chaplain of the Chapter of St Michael & All Angels, Doncaster.
|
13/4/04
Councillor David Froud |
While I believe the above explanations are valid, I believe there is a deeper reason to this covering. This is in the Gospel for Passion Sunday. It concludes '... but Jesus hid himself and went out of the Temple.' S. John 8 v 59. This is the period when Jesus no longer walked 'openly' among us.
This is the same reason that the Cross or Crucifix is removed from the sanctuary (or direct vision) during solemn Exposition and Benediction. We concentrate on Our Lord present with us in the Blessed Sacrament. For similar reasons, incense is not blessed at Benediction.
David Froud, Councillor PG10
|
13/4/04
Peter |
As regards crosses in the sanctuary, I agree with Fr Keeton but would add that most altars have five crosses carved into them.
Peter
|
12/4/04
Fr Colin Johnson |
My copy of "The RItual Reason Why", ed. Charles Walker, 2nd ed. 1868, states on page 252:
'Veiling or covering is a sign of mourning (Isa.xxv.7); and in some parts of the church the crosses and pictures were accordingly veiled throughout Lent. The spirit of the Passion-tide veiling seems to be, that the Church would draw off our attention from everything but Him whose suffering she is commemorating, bidding us "consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners." It is also symbolical of the hiding of our Lord’s glory during His earthly life, and especially during his ignominious and bitter Passion.
‘According to the old English uses, the veiling extended from the first Monday in Lent to the morning of Easter Day, before the Matin (sic) service of which the crosses and pictures were uncovered. The veils are white, and marked with red crosses, to call our attention to the spotless but bloody Passion of our Lord. The commonest use in the Western Church is to begin this veiling at the first Vespers of Passion Sunday, and to employ violet veils without a cross or other device embroidered on them.’
Fr Colin Johnson, SS Peter & Paul, Borden, Kent. GSS Chapter of S Augustine of Canterbury.
|
13/4/04
Councillor Craig Aburn |
Crosses / crucifixes (and statues likewise) are veiled during Passiontide to
help the faithful think about what is there. These are things that are taken
for granted due to our over familiarisation with them.
Happy Easter.
Cllr Craig Aburn
|
15/4/04
Michael Skidmore |
I agree with Fr Colin Johnson's explanation. I to have a copy of the "Ritual Reason Why" but a somewhat latter addition--1919! This New and revised edition was edited and corrected by the Very Rev T.I. Ball Provost of Cumbrae. I find this a very fascinating and informative little book and explains nearly everything we should know about Ritual but never get round to asking. I also understand that it is still in print and will cost you about £35!!
Michael Skidmore Sec Chapter of St Osyth.
|