On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the faithful will gather in Vatican City for a special event marking the fifth Sunday of Lent.
A significant part of the tradition will be the display of Veronica’s Veil at St. Peter’s Basilica, a sacred relic that holds a powerful connection to Christ’s journey to Calvary.
The Significance of Veronica’s Veil
Veronica’s Veil, also known as the Holy Face, is a cloth believed to have been used by a woman named Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus as he carried the cross to his crucifixion.
This moment is commemorated in the sixth station of the Way of the Cross, where Veronica’s act of compassion is celebrated.
According to tradition, Christ’s face was miraculously imprinted on the cloth, making it one of the most revered relics in the Catholic Church.
A Tradition Renewed at St. Peter’s Basilica
At 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, the faithful will walk through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica while litanies are chanted.
From the Veronica loggia, the veil will be displayed during an extraordinary liturgy.
This event is a renewal of an ancient Catholic tradition that draws many believers to witness the relic, which has been venerated for centuries.
Cardinal Gambetti to Celebrate Mass Following the Display
After the display of the veil, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, will celebrate Mass.
The canons of the basilica will also participate in this special service.
The event promises to be a deeply spiritual experience for all who attend, as the faithful reflect on the significance of the Veil of Veronica.
Why Does Veronica’s Veil Attract So Many?
The relic has fascinated people for centuries, attracting pilgrims and believers eager to experience its spiritual power.
Along with other important relics like the cross and the lance of St. Longinus, Veronica’s Veil holds a place of great honor within St. Peter’s Basilica.
Tradition holds that Longinus, the Roman soldier, pierced Christ’s side, making his relic, too, one of the most sacred objects in the Church.
This unique display of the Holy Face serves not only as a reminder of Christ’s suffering but also as a tangible connection to an ancient act of compassion that continues to inspire devotion and reverence.
