The Prayer of the Veil

As the holy Sacrifice begins, the veil is lifted from the paten and chalice and solemnly waved over the offerings. The priest's prayer during this act likens the veil to:

• The stone covering Christ's sepulchre, which is now metaphorically rolled away.
• The rock in the desert (I Cor. 10:4) that provided water to the people of God, symbolizing the water of life that Christ offers to His people through the Qurbana.

The Fathers of the Church teach that at this moment, when the holy mysteries are unveiled, the heavenly hosts and the spirits of the just made perfect come to honour the sacred mysteries.