Covering Statues

Tonight I received ashes in a church outside my parish.  I was surprised to see that a cross was covered in purple.  It was hidden. I was surprised because

(1) Since Vatican II the church was encouraged not to cover the statues
(2) Even when statues were covered, they weren't covered on Ash Wednesday

The purpose of covering the statues was to symbolize the change of liturgical season.  It was Lent.  Since it was very noticeable and dramatic, it heightened the anticipation and high drama of Passiontide.  All the statues were covered on Passion Sunday.  The cross was uncovered on Good Friday.  Everything was uncovered for Easter Vigil.