Passiontide
Sunday, March 21st, 2010Passiontide or the Season of the Passion (Tempus Passionis) begins on the Fifth Sunday of Lent in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (pre-Vatican II liturgy), officially called the First Sunday of the Passion (Dominica prima in Passione) or Passion Sunday (Dominica de Passione). This brief liturgical sub-season within the Season of Lent lasts for two weeks, ending on Holy Saturday.
Traditionally, all crucifixes and images are covered with violet veils. The custom of the veiling was associated with the Gospel reading for Passion Sunday: “So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple (
The term Passiontide is not used in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite to denote the last two weeks of Lent. However, the focus of the liturgy in both the Mass and in the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) marks a significant shift in focus. For instance, the Roman Missal contains this rubric for the Fifth Sunday of Lent:
“The practice of covering crosses and images in the church may be observed, if the episcopal conference decides. The crosses are to be covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord’s passion on Good Friday. Images are to remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil.”
Also, during the Fifth Week of Lent, the Preface of the Passion of the Lord I (The Power of the Cross) is used, while the Preface of the Passion of the Lord II (The Victory of the Passion) is used on the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week (Hebdomas Sancta).
Meanwhile, in the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours, it is optional to begin using the hymns proper to Holy Week.
As Holy Week and the Solemnity of Easter approach, let us pray that our hearts and minds are properly renewed and purified, to observe the sacred mysteries of these most holy days with the love, devotion, and purity of heart that they deserve.