St. Veronica is a a special character in the story of Christ’s Passion and unique to the Catholic tradition. But, we don’t know much about Veronica.
The Sixth Station
Many believe that Veronica wiped the face of Christ with a cloth on the road to Calvary. Christ’s face would have been drenched in blood and sweat, so it is likely that she used her veil to wipe his face. Also, she is a main character in the sixth station of the cross.
Many believe the cloth still exists in the Vatican today, with Christ’s face imprinted on it. Subsequently, it is one of the most treasured relics. She is the patroness of laundry workers and photographers (love that!). Read more about St. Veronica here.
Why a veil?
Veronica is a key figure in the sixth station of the cross, where she wiped the face of Christ on the road to calvary. It is said that she wiped his face with her veil and his face was imprinted on the veil. Also, many believe the original veil is preserved in the Vatican today.
Who would be friends with St. Veronica?
- Nurses (she had compassion for and attempted to soothe Christ, just like nurses do!)
- Laundry Workers
- Photographers (who knew she was their patron??)
- Those who veil for Mass
- Artists
- Mothers
- Counselors
O My Jesus, Saint Veronica served You on the way to Calvary by wiping Your beloved face with a towel on which Your sacred image then appeared. She protected this treasure, and whenever people touched it, they were miraculously healed. I ask her to pray for the growth of my ability to see Your sacred image in others, to recognize their hurts, to stop and join them on their difficult journeys, and to feel the same compassion for them as she did for You. Show me how to wipe their faces, serve their needs, and heal their wounds, reminding me that as I do this for them, I also do this for You. Saint Veronica, pray for me. Amen
The Prayer to St. Veronica
Shop St. Veronica’s collection in our shop here.
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