Greetings from the Annunciation Parish. During Lent, one of the rituals that many of us have seen in our churches is the covering of images and the crucifix with purple cloths. But why do we do this? What does this act mean? What is its tradition and history?
In the tradition of the Church, covering the images and crucifix with purple cloths holds deep significance. First, the color purple is a symbol of penitence, reflection, and preparation. Lent is a special time of repentance, of looking inward, and of drawing closer to God. By covering the images and the crucifix, the Church invites us to focus on the seriousness of the Lenten season, to meditate on Christ's sacrifice, and to prepare for the celebration of His Easter.
This act of covering the images also helps us experience the "deprivation" and "emptiness" of this time. When the images are covered, we cannot see them, and this symbolizes the suffering of Jesus on His way to the cross. By covering the images, the Church reminds us that we are in a time of sacrifice, of waiting, and we must take a moment to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus.
It also reminds us that the beauty of our churches and images only makes sense when we see them through the eyes of faith and penitence. During Lent, the church dresses in simplicity and reflection so that we can draw closer to God, without distractions, with a heart ready for change.
This act is not intended to create sadness or discouragement, but rather to help us understand the sacrifice of Jesus. The covered images invite us to look beyond the visible and focus on what really matters: our relationship with God and our inner conversion.
It is also important to note that the crucifixes remain covered with purple cloth until Good Friday, April 18, but the images will remain covered until the start of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, April 19. This marks the transition from suffering and waiting to the resurrection of Christ. At the end of Lent, during Holy Week, we uncover the images again, symbolizing the joy of Christ's Resurrection, a reminder that death has been defeated and that through Jesus, we have new life.
So, as we see our churches with covered images, let us not see them with sadness or confusion. Remember that this is a sign of our spiritual journey toward Easter. It helps us focus more deeply on penitence, reflection, and prepares us for the glorious resurrection of Jesus. During this time, let us strive to live in humility, penitence, and prayer, recognizing our faults and seeking to draw closer to Christ.
May God bless us all this Holy Week, and may He help us live this journey with faith and hope.
Blessings, Father Jomon
Pastor's Word - April 6, 2025
Greetings from the Parish of Annunciation, dear faithful, As we draw closer to the holiest week of the year, Holy Week, just one week away, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible importance of this sacred time in our lives. Holy Week is not just another week—it is the heart of our faith, a time to walk with Jesus in His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. It is one of the most important and transformative weeks in the life of our parish and, indeed, in the life of every Christian. This week is filled with opportunities to encounter the profound love of God, to experience His sacrifice, and to renew our commitment to following Christ in our daily lives. The ceremonies of Holy Week—beginning with Palm Sunday, continuing through Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and culminating in Easter Sunday Mass—are not mere rituals; they are the pathways through which we can enter more deeply into the mystery of God's love for us. Each of these celebrations holds a unique and powerful significance: Palm Sunday: We begin our Holy Week journey by joining the crowds in welcoming Jesus as our King. Holy Thursday: We commemorate the Last Supper, where Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist and the call to serve one another. Good Friday: On this day, we reflect on Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the Cross. His suffering is a reminder that no matter what burdens we carry, Christ has already borne them for us. His death on the Cross is the gateway to our redemption and offers us hope even in our darkest moments. The Easter Vigil: The Vigil is a reminder that in Christ, we are made new, that darkness has been overcome by the light of Christ, and that our lives are transformed by His Resurrection. Easter Sunday Mass: We come together to celebrate the joy and victory of Christ over death. It is a time of great rejoicing, as we remember that through His Resurrection, we too are given the gift of eternal life. I encourage you all to take full advantage of this time for spiritual renewal. Also, I kindly ask that you take a moment to look through the bulletin for the full schedule of our Holy Week events. Share this information with your family, friends, and fellow parishioners so that they too may participate in these sacred celebrations. Let us invite each other with love and kindness, encouraging one another to draw closer to Christ during this holy time. I pray that we may all experience the transformative power of Holy Week in our hearts and allow it to lead us closer to the risen Lord. Let us walk together on this sacred journey in faith, love, and prayer. With blessings, Father Jomon