The fifth Sunday of Lent, opening Passiontide as the season turns toward the cross.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 6, 2025 | ||
| 2026 | March 22, 2026 |
Recurrence: Western Easter computus (the fifth Sunday of Lent, 14 days before Easter Sunday).
Significance
The fifth Sunday of Lent is the last before Palm Sunday and opens the final, most solemn stretch of the season, traditionally called Passiontide. Its readings turn toward the death of Jesus, including the raising of Lazarus and the grain of wheat that dies to bear fruit. In many churches crosses and images are veiled from this Sunday until Easter.
Observance
Crosses and images are veiled in many churches, and the liturgy turns toward the Passion in the season's final two weeks.