When I look online for information about veiling at Mass (or anywhere in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament), it makes me sad to see that this is such a controversial topic. To me, veiling is a beautiful devotion, like the Rosary, that has the potential to edify the entire Body of Christ by drawing attention to both the sacredness of women and the magnificence of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
My journey to wearing a veil began as I read a discussion thread about this very topic among several good friends of mine. For months, I had been attending daily Mass and was finding myself quickly falling head over heels in love the same Eucharistic Lord I had nonchalantly received hundreds of times since my First Holy Communion in 1995.
When my friend Elaine mentioned why she veiled, she noted that the Church is rich in symbolism. She said, “The Church veils holy things—the tabernacle is veiled, behind the veil is the Body of Christ, and I am a vessel of life. A living tabernacle.”
This veiling of sacred things speaks to a kind of hiddenness that doesn’t seek to conceal in the negative sense, but rather draw us into the depths of mystery, allowing for the mysterious to unfold. In the Old Testament, Moses veiled his face. The Holy of Holies was veiled. Brides are often veiled before the “veil is lifted.” Even Jesus, the infinite God whose glory is revealed in heaven, is “veiled” before us by the accidents of bread and wine. As a wonderful priest puts it, “Like the effect of the virtue of modesty, by the very fact that something is hidden, it is allowed to become that which it is: mysterious and beautiful.”
Elaine also mentioned that veiling represents the desire to humble oneself before God: “When a man walks into church he removes his hat as an act of humility. Men show their bald spots and all of that in this act. When a woman covers her hair, her glory, she is similarly humbling herself before God.”
My heart heard that. I was absolutely in love and in awe with the magnificent reality of the Eucharist and Christ’s perfect act of self-giving—He, the God of the universe, wanted to be in such intimate union with me, yes, ME! that He wanted to physically enter into the very depths of my being and consume me with His love! And I just wanted to be His.
I admit, I also wanted to really feel like the precious child of God I’d been told so many times I was. Up until recently, I had never really believed it. I understood that God loves us…“us in general,” but not necessarily me in particular. After all, I had heard so many times from my loved ones how I had failed to be what they wanted me to be (most notoriously, thin and perfectly in control of my emotions), that I figured I was nothing special. I was nothing for someone else to die for, let alone God himself. So as I discovered the intimacy of the love of God, I longed to feel just how precious I was in His eyes, in spite of my sins and imperfections.
The first time I wore my veil before the Lord, I recalled Elaine’s words. “I am a living tabernacle.” In my heart, my longing to be His, wholly and completely, felt like fire. It reminded me of the fire I could see emanating from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I was that precious child of God, and I just wanted to be His.
Now, before I enter the sacred space that houses the Blessed Sacrament, I pause. I remind myself that the mystery I am about to enter in the Mass transcends time. I carefully slip my veil on over my head, ready to enter that sacred space and longing ever so intensely to allow Christ to marry me in the Eucharist. I am His bride.
* * *
If you are thinking about beginning this beautiful devotion, remember that it is God before whom you wish to humble yourself. Like a religious habit, your veil is a public proclamation of your desire to submit to the will of God for your life and to answer the universal call to holiness and continual conversion. Your veil is also a sign of the great dignity that is due to a woman, who has the potential to receive life within herself… both human life and the supernatural life of God. This is an important message the world needs to hear, now more than ever! Above all, wear your veil for the greater glory of God.
Lily is a full-time, homeschooling mother of three (soon to be 4, in February 2012) with a special love for veiling in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Looking to promote a deeper reverence to the Blessed Sacrament, Lily founded Veils by Lily in August 2010 and now spends most of her spare time filling orders and returning inquiries about veiling. She blogs occasionally at The Catholic Wife.
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30 comments
I would love to wear a veil. I hope to try it one day.
Jan
Found this through Veils by Lily. Absolutely LOVED this post. Sounds like your story is very similar to mine.
Many blessings to you. May you continuously feel the Love of Christ burn within you.
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I plan on beginning to wear my veil when I am confirmed at Easter Vigil.
I started veiling a few months ago but I can’t say I feel any different. Maybe because my headcovering isn’t one of those lacy veils but is almost like the scarves a peasant woman would wear from back in the day (I couldn’t figure out how to keep the scarves on when dealing with little ones). And it became more of a distraction than anything. Anyway, I don’t feel any different but I continue to veil because it is the Church’s teaching – and She has guided me right in so many other ways, I’ll just continue to be obedient even if I don’t quite get it. But I will carry your ideas into Mass on Sunday and will hopefully feel more inspired.
I have Lily’s veils & carry one in my purse. I never enter adoration without it & have been for sometime now wanting to wear it into mass & haven’t. One fear is to stand out, but this is a beautiful testament & shows me differently.
I love veiling and have done so ever since I became a Catholic 4 years ago. I don’t feel good at Mass or at the Blessed Sacrament unless I have my veil or shawl.
Karyn, I think it’s important to point out that, while no longer mandatory, the primary purpose of veiling should not be to feel a certain way, but to give glory to God. Our veils do so by pointing to the reality of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and by seeking to restore to our culture the idea that our femininity is sacred. Feelings, on the other hand, come and go, and we may even feel tempted to *stop* veiling because we are afraid of standing out or of what others will think of us! But bringing it always back to God and to the sincere desire to please God above all else despite our imperfections and our tendency to sin, even if we don’t quite get it, like you said, is truly the way to go!
I would not worry about standing out. I used to think about that and would tell my husband (RIP) that I didn’t want to have people think I was trying to act religous by wearing a veil when others didn’t. He told me “don’t worry about others, just do what God is telling you to do!”. I have always followed that rule and actually get a lot of nice comments on the beautiful veils that I wear. WE HAVE to do what GOD tells us and now worry about looking different!
I love Lily’s point about making the decision to veil {or not to veil} based on emotions. The flip side of it could easily be that people who *don’t* veil “feel” like those who do are somehow holier than thou or some other derogatory thought or comment.
I really think emphasizing the point of veiling appropriately on our relationship and desire to grow how God wants us to is *so* key.
The Faith isn’t rooted in emotions, so it makes perfect sense that we should not view the decision to or not to veil as one centered on emotions because, as Lily pointed out, they are fleeting.
I have been praying about veiling, and am continuing to do so. I am really feeling led to start veiling again. My almost 16yo daughter has also expressed a desire to veil. If my prayers lead me where I think they will, my daughter and I will be veiling starting Ash Wednesday. I think Lent would be a wonderful time to start veiling. My husband is completely supportive of it, and even said pretty much the same as Elizabeth’s husband did. That gives me so much encouragement.
I’ve always read that veiling is mandatory. That people mistakenly thought Vatican II lifted the obligation but that it is actually still in place.
I wasn’t saying that I veil because in order to feel a certain way. I was just saying that whenever a read an article from a “pro-veiler”, they inevitably mention how peaceful or respectful or whatever they feel. I was just saying that I don’t particularly feel any different, but I veil anyway because it’s what the Church teaches.
Kathy….I will be praying for you and others to embrace the act of veiling. Let us all pray for each other and be a support for each other in this. I know that when I see another woman at Mass who is veiling it always makes me feel good and I instantly have a bond with her. Let us pray for other women to have their hearts and eyes opened to the blessing of veiling.
Karyn, I just thought I would mention it since I often talk with other women about this and how we “feel” is usually brought up. I mentioned it myself, and I didn’t want it to come across like we should be after a feeling. I do find that wearing my veil helps me lift my heart to God much better, though, which is great!
Vatican II never did away with veiling, but the Code of Canon Law did leave it out in 1983. Up until then, it was still Canon Law. Cardinal Burke wrote a private letter to someone who asked him about this and his reply seemed to affirm the idea that it is no longer mandatory but is usually expected when attending Mass in the Extraordinary Form. This is also what I’ve always heard from priests, canon lawyers, and Catholic apologists. And in a way, I’m glad it’s not mandatory, because I’ve spoken to many women who remember having to do it when they were younger without understanding why. Obedience is a virtue, for sure, but when we do things from the heart, out of love for God, it’s even better.
Does anyone here veil at the Novus Ordo mass? Or do you all attend the Latin rite mass?
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I veil at both masses and at Adoration but if for some reason I forget my veil I don’t have a fit (although I do tend to feel rather naked!). It was hard at first as sometimes I am the only one with a veil and that will not take the host in my own hands but you get used to being different after awhile. Isn’t it sad the the NORMAL is now Different????
Manda, I attend the Novus Ordo most of the time, and most of the time I’m the only one. There are a few other ladies in the parish who do veil as well, but I haven’t seen them around lately!
Great post, Lily! Thanks for sharing and thanks to all of you ladies who posted. I don’t wear a veil, but have always thought it was a beautiful and lovely thing to do. I wasn’t sure why some women did veil, so I really appreciated you sharing how God has moved in your life! Thank you for responding to His call in such a humble way! You inspire me!
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This is a beautiful post, Lily, very thoughtful and edifying. To any woman considering headcovering for Mass, Adoration or other devotional activities (private or corporate), don’t worry about what others may or may not think regarding your choice to veil if you are convinced and convicted in your conscience to enter into this beautiful practice. Yes, it can be incredibly difficult, especially for those who are lone coverers in their congregation, but the gift to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is profound. We’re not moving backwards or dragging the church into the past, we’re moving forwards, eagerly straining toward our Redeemer. I have been covering since 7 April 2001. This practice has followed me from Seventh Day Adventism, through Evangelical Anglicanism and finally into Marounite Catholic Christianity (I was confirmed into the Church on 8 October). Has it been easy? No. has it been humbling? Yes. Along this journey, I have been sworn at, shouted at and have even had folk attempt to tear it from my head all within the worship assembly! (fellow ‘sisters’ in Christ can express some of the most toxic venom and heartbreaking hostility toward one lone woman striving to follow our Lord and Saviour with all her heart, mind and strength)… needless to say, I have been deeply encouraged by coming into a parish where a good quarter to one third of women of all ages cover, whether for Sunday or weekday services, and where a live and let live atmosphere exists between coverers and non coverers – no hostility or bitterness (which seems predominately the domain of Western Rite Boomers, war babies and builders) . If you are the first to don it, you may well be silently encouraging one or more who have wrestled with it for months, even years, but have been petrified of being the first.
May all who read and comment here be richly and wonderfully blessed,
Sarah,
Australia.
There seems to be a quiet, gradual, but powerful resurgence of veiling in the presence of our Lord, especially among the younger women. Praise be! Let us rise up and call Him Lord of Lords, Mighty God!
I have been veiling just this last year but have wanted to for some time. I always liked seeing the few women that veiled and wanted to know more about it, I heard many things about how “unnecessary, out of date, ect.” it is, but I pressed on. I am so glad I kept searching and finally mustered the courage to veil. I do struggle with keeping it on as my little one likes to grab it, but I love it. It reminds me that my desire is to submit to the Lord as our Blessed Mother did and we never see her without a veil do we?
My only question is about veiling OUTSIDE of mass and adoration. The scripture says to cover our head during prayer and we pray constantly throughout the day. Should the veil be worn at all times? Just a question I’ve been curious about.
The question of covering re I Cor 11 3-16 and by extention, 1 Thes 5: 17 (Pray without ceasing – alluding to our constant mindfulness of Christ that infuses everything we think, say and do) is a very valid point and natural outcropping that develops after one has been covering principally for Church. There are growing numbers of women outside traditional Plain communities who are covering outside of Church-related worship/bible study/prayer – some for private equivalents in their own homes, some also when out in public. I cover 85% of the time with kerchiefs or wide headbands worn with my bun covered. there are many providers of Christian headcoverings designed for daily wear (for those with long or shorter hair) and practical use that withstand housework, the outdoors, or are beautiful enough yet descrete enough to be worn by those in high powered jobs or jobs in which the public is dealt with day to day, that can be toned in with corporate wardrobe etc. Lilies is excellent for churchwear; with permission from the people at ‘Catholic Sisters’ I am happy to provide information on Christian retailers who sell beautiful every-day coverings with whom I have dealt satisfactorily over the years; same goes for modest dress (though remember this latter category is almost infinate in its variety).
Additionally, the notion of plainness is making inroads into the wider Christian and Catholic community with Anglican, non denominational, and Catholic ladies (and gentlemen) finding themselves convinced and convicted to follow this path; though it is not, of course, the only way. there are also several on-line forums for Christian coverers of all denominations; I am a member of a very good one of these that is safe, sane and moderated to prevent disputes or the types of ugly Catholic persecution that can crop up on some of the more millitant protestant fora out there on line. When around family who just don’t get it, I scale it right back to the buncover. While some cover at night, I don’t, giving my hair time to breathe and rest.
There are screads of resources out there re more frequent covering and how to do it practically, especially with babes and toddlers (a kapp may be in order here)
May you be richly and wonderfully blessed,
Sarah,
Australia.
I have been veiling for a few months. It was an act of obedience to my husband. We have been attending TLM on Sundays but NO during the week. Since veiling, I veil at every mass. At first I really, really wrestled with my pride during mass, only thinking of myself. But trying to just love God. It is still difficult, but I’m getting better. We have a few women at daily mass that veil. I found 2 beautiful croceted ones online that I really like and stay put even with my little one at mass.
I had a desire to veil for a while, and when I went on a pilgrimage to Israel, I veiled while at all Masses and at the holy sites. When I returned home, I didn’t veil, but missed it a lot. When the youth were preparing to go to Madrid for WYD, I spoke to the girls about veiling and wearing skirts. To my surprise, they were all for it, and they wanted to do it right away! Not only that, their mothers wanted to veil too! It has been about a year now that a handful of us veil at Mass and we all LOVE it. Talking about it to others was the best thing I could have done…not only for myself, but for the other young woman of our parish.
I think I will make a bumper sticker that says “I VEIL THEREFORE I PRAY”….we need to make more people aware of veiling! Or should that read “I pray & Adore – Therefore I veil”?
Elizabeth, I will buy your bumper sticker
It sounds good the first way but really should probably read, “I pray therefore I veil!” Maybe even include 1 Cor 11:5 Then again would this be a witness or would it be drawing undue attention and seem prideful? I’m not judging, I’m asking.
‘The covering of the head with a veil symbolizes the reality of woman sheltered in the side of her Source and becoming one with Him. She becomes covered and hidden in her Divine Spouse.’
St. John Chrysostom (saintsworks.net)
WOW!!! I like that Jeffrey! Thanks for pointing out that quote!
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I am so happy to find this site. I too have heard the call to veil. Not long before the beginning of lent this year, I knew God was leading me to veil. I am the only one at my church that veils, and I do feel closer to God. I have four daughters and I want to be a good example of modesty for them in a world that does not . Continue to do the work you are doing because you inspire others.
I am newly received and confirmed, I have started to veil for Mass and whenever I go into the house of God. I agree with the comments on here about it drawing attention to Jesus Christ and not to oneself.
I have had derogatory comments passed but I will not let that deter me