The Passionists, the community I belong to, were founded by St. Paul of the Cross (+1874) to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus Christ. For 86 years, from 1915-2001, people from Saints Joseph and Michael’s parish in Union City, NJ, a parish nearby where the Passionists served for many years, presented a Passion play, “Veronica’s Veil,” during Lent. Two Passionists , Father Bernardine Dusch, CP, and Father Conrad Eiben, CP, were the play’s creators.
Patrick Allen, a Union City native and the last stage manager of the play in 2001, has begun to bring the play “back into service,” he says. Last Lent, on Good Friday, the Veronica Veil players processed through the streets of New York’s Little Italy near Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, reenacting the Lord’s journey to Calvary, and ended up in the church itself.
Patrick hopes to present the play again in Union City and New York City this coming Lent. This Thursday, June 25th, he’s accompanying Archbishop Timothy Dolan, the new archbishop of New York, to Rome where the archbishop will receive the pallium from Pope Benedict XIV.
At the Mass, Allen will bring a service banner from Veronica’s Veil as part of the offertory gifts. Afterwards, the banner will be placed with the original relic of the veil presently enclosed in one of the great pillars in St. Peter’s Basilica next to the main altar.
For centuries, Passion plays have told the story of the Passion of Jesus. The banner to be blessed by the pope this Saturday explains why they are created. “May the Passion of Jesus Christ be always in our hearts.”
Here’s Patrick talking about Veronica’s Veil.
The Victor's Place 
To whom it may concern, looking to be in contact with some one who can give me more information about the passion play. Thank you Mary Fagan
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What passion play are you thinking of, Mary?
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The play that was performed in Union City new Jersey by Passionate Players called Veronica’s Veil.
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Mary,
Take a look at this post https://vhoagland.wordpress.com/2009/06/22/veronicas-veil/
Fr.Victor
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Is Veronica’s Veil available for use at a local chuch?
Sue
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I’ll check it out for you, Sue
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Hello, I was the child who was brought back to life by Veronica’s Veil – I was in the second grade at St. Joseph Catholic School, Union City, NJ when the director cast me as one of the children to play this role – my cousin was the second child. I’m 61 now. I remember the beautiful, sacred message. Thank you for keeping this message alive.
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Hi everyone, I am so glad that Veronica’s Veil has not vanished from our memory. My name is Edward Garibaldi, now 80 years old but my memories of the “Veil” will never fade. I joined the group in the early 1950’s and remained active until the mid 1960’s. I played many parts including Judas and Petronius. During the early 1960’s Evelyn Tuttle who was playing Veronica asked if I was up to painting a new Veil as the prop one she used in performance was quite worn and yes indeed I agreed and the Veil you see on the banner was indeed painted by me. Many years later I attended a wake at St Joseph/St Michaels and was surprised to see the veil and the banner displayed in the entryway of the church. I know the recent fire severley damaged the church and I no longer know the fate of the Veil, but I do have photos and memories that can never be destroyed.Veronica’s Veil will live forever in my mind.
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That was a great production, Edward. A treasure in Union City. Congratulations and may God bless you for your time and talent. Fv. Victor Hoagland
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Hi. Back in July 1999, I performed my first environmental inspection in my career, and it was at the St. Joseph’s Parochial School Auditorium. I knew it as the “Veronica’s Veil Theater” at the time. It was sad to see the place so run down, but there was so much history there. I particularly remember the auditorium – the plush velvet seats were still intact. The plaster decorations and wallpaper on the walls and ceiling were immaculate. The insulation on the vertical pipes backstage still had the original Johns-Manville stickers on them! In particular, held up by beautiful golden ropes on metal pulleys was a massive maroon curtain with gold tassels, and written centrally in beautiful gothic letters was the word ASBESTOS. Sadly, I do not have the pictures, but they were included in my report. I wonder if it still exists…
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so much history…Yes. There’s an exhibit at the Union City Museum.
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I saw the play while in 3rd grade. St. Aedan’s Grammar School Jersey City, had acquired tickets to the play. My older sister and I borh attended St Aedan’s. Her class also went. The play was beautifully portrayed by the cast and the music pulled you “inside” the event! Delighted I came across this as that was 1968,if memory serves me right.
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Veronica’ Veil was a great gift to so many people. The Passionists were proud to sponsor it. The Story is the greatest ever told. Thanks for your memory.
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As we near another Lenten season my memories of Veronica’s Veil return. My mother’s family the Schreck’s were involved in the production from its inception. My grandfather Charles Schreck held the title of Chief Electrician for more than 50yrs, he was responsible for creating much of the lighting effects. At the age of 15 in 1966 I became involved with the stage crew, following in the footsteps of my grandfather and uncles in the lighting dept. What wonderful memories I have!!
Ren Giliberti
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I remember Veronica’s Veil well. It was Union City’s gift to the world. Hope to have a post on it in the weeks to come. The Schrecks were great roofers who kept our buildings safe and sound.
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I was one of the extras during my teenage years does anyone remember the name of the character that played Veronica’s daughter & Ruth’s sister now the actress the character’s name
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Miriam
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