Why are images veiled or hidden towards the end of Lent?

Starting the Firth Sunday of Lent, we have entered into a period of time known as “Passiontide,” that is, the period of heightened anticipation
as we approach “Passion Week,” more commonly known as “Holy Week.”

This custom arose in order to help Catholics mystically enter into the final days of Christ’s life on earth.

The covering of sacred images has the effect of focusing attention on Christ’s Passion, and the manner in which He veiled His divinity to suffer in His humanity for the redemption of the world. For Passiontide, the Church’s ritual becomes extra penitential.

As we get closer to the Crucifixion, the Gospel’s tell us how Jesus “hid” Himself from the Jews when they attempted to stone him (cf. John 8:59). According to St. Augustine, at this moment when Jesus hid Himself from the angry crowd, Christ in fact became invisible to them by virtue of His Divine nature.

To help signify this mystery, holy images in church are veiled the evening before Passion Sunday. This includes images of the saints, as it is befitting that if the glory of the Master is hidden, then His servants should also not appear.

Indeed, in the Latin Church, we “hide” His images for two weeks out of the year in a sprit of penance and mourning. An acute sadness is felt in the human heart. We long to be reunited with Him.

The veil suggests the discomfort of being separated from Him. We prepare for the agony and triumph
of the Easter Triduum.

Outsiders are intrigued by these little customs. Children remember them.

– from Liturgical Art Journal “The Custom of Passiontide Veiling”, March 27, 2023