Please welcome writer and fellow Catholic convert Tyler Blanski to Carrots today! Tyler’s sharing some of the beautiful theology behind veiling. I’ve never veiled at Mass myself, but learning more about this rich tradition just might have me searching for a chapel veil. – Haley
You’ve heard it before: head coverings are not awesome, they are the sexist leftovers of a chauvinistic Church, St. Paul was blinded by his bigoted culture, yadda yadda. But here is the thing: God sanctified a womb in Nazareth. The eternal Son of God became a Son of Adam, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the New Eve. Mary is the sign of the Church, the Bride of Christ, and every single woman is also a sign.
Some signs are cheap and disposable, like the Banana Republic advertisements that suggest that a briefcase is power, that having a family is a threat to personhood, that you should look as thin and edible as a Slim Jim. But other signs are woven into the very fabric of the universe, inviolate and inviolable, and a woman is such a sign. The Blessed Virgin Mary reminds us that a mother does not “make” a home. A mother is home. Mothers are a menace to the assembly line. They remind us that we are alive. Eve is the height of creation because she is a prophecy of the New Eve, the Mother of the Church, the Virgin Mary—and in all her statues and icons, Mary is wearing a veil.
Satan wants to strip us of our humanity, and he uses nakedness to do it. But God wants to reclaim our humanity, and he’s using clothes to do it. God was the first fashion designer. In the beginning, we were naked and not ashamed; but in this fallen world, nakedness is a twisted version of what it was meant to be. So in his mercy “God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Gen. 3:21).
Ever since the Fall, clothes have reminded us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made; and ever since the Cross, veils have reminded us that we have been re-made and washed in the blood of the Lamb. Clothing is a reminder of our dignity, our nobility. And head coverings are the supreme adornment, the finest raiment, the boldest testimony to why God made us clothes in the first place. Just read Revelation 19:7. The Church is getting ready for a wedding! Christ has adorned his Bride in beautiful raiment beyond all reckoning!
I was naked, and you clothed me
It’s a big mistake to think that the number one reason the mighty women of yore adorned their heads with lace was to prevent men from lust. Chapel veils, or mantillas (manta means “mantle” or “cloak”), are beautiful pieces of black or white lace draped over a woman’s head as a reminder to the world that God was born of a woman, that God has betrothed himself to his Church, and the Church is a sacred vessel. God can touch a woman in a way he cannot touch a man. He can fill her with life. The number one reason why head coverings are awesome is because only sacred vessels are veiled, and women are sacred.
In the Old Testament the Ark of the Covenant is veiled behind the curtain because it is holy. In the New Testament, as I have illustrated before, the Virgin Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant to the umpteenth degree. Like the old golden chest, she is a sacred place where the Lord’s presence dwells intimately with his people. Except now, it’s God in the flesh. The God who is everywhere was in Mary, his divine presence radiating out from her, the Light of the World waiting to be born. And this is why Mary is always veiled.
When attending Mass or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, a woman covers her head because she is a life-bearing vessel. Think about it. The chalice is veiled until the consecration because it holds the living blood of Christ. The ciborium in the tabernacle is veiled between Masses because it holds the living Body of Christ. The monstrance is traditionally covered in a canopy during procession because it holds the living Christ. Life-bearing vessels are veiled because they are sacred. By divine decree, the source and summit of all life was once in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The incarnation, God’s great shout out to motherhood, is the climax of creation.
A woman is an eschatological sign, a reminder that God has not given up on the world, and the veil reminds us that God did not leave us naked, shivering in the garden. The veil is a celebration of the fact that the curse has been reversed. We are not our own, we are Christ’s. As his Bride, Mother Church is called to be fruitful and to multiply, preaching the Good News and baptizing, bringing Christ’s life to the world.
Crowned in glory
Christ was crowned with bloody thorns so that his Bride might be veiled in spotless white. We were naked in our sins, and he clothed us. From Genesis to Revelation, we do not deserve our Savior’s self-donation, the total, cruciform gift from our Husband and Head Jesus Christ.
When St. Paul talks about head coverings, we need to remember that his understanding of gender and clothing is culture-bound…to the culture of Christ. Everything about being a man or a woman is meant to tell the story of the wedding of Heaven and Earth, Christ and his Bride. Chapel veils help tell the story. Although veils are no longer required for women attending the Novus Ordo Mass, they are still encouraged because they are a reminder of what all of us—men and women together—are by Baptism: the Bride of the Lamb. And the “it’s not required” attitude makes it even more awesome.
What a gift! To be a tiny snapshot of Mary and the Church in the presence of the congregation, in the sacramental Presence of the God. Mantillas are a clarion reminder that gender roles in the culture of Christ are not a power trip, but a love trip. Christ’s head was crowned with thorns so that his Bride’s head might be crowned with stars.
“And the temple of God which is in Heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant appeared…a great sign appeared: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head” (Rev. 11:19-12:1).
Tyler Blanski is praying for a holy renaissance. He is the author of When Donkeys Talk: Rediscovering the Mystery and Wonder of Christianity (Zondervan, 2012) and Mud & Poetry: Love, Sex, and the Sacred (Upper Room Books, 2010).www.HolyRenaissance.com
Haley here! I’d love to hear about your experience with veiling. Please remember to be charitable (as you always are) to other commenters as veiling can be a surprisingly heated topic. Thanks!
This is such a lovely post. I had heard the mantilla described in bridal language before, but had never thought of the connection between the veil over the monstrance et al. and the veil over a woman’s head. Sacred vessels of life-this is such a beautiful idea, and I may just go hunting for a veil of my own! I would relish the opportunity to explain this to my daughter some day.
This is so beautiful! I’ve been thinking about veiling for over a year, and this makes me want to give it a try. The imagery of veiling sacred vessels is really beautiful to me.
There are some ladies at my church that veil. I have never heard this term “veil” used in this way. I’m dating myself, but this was a requirement for all girls, teens, women to have a veil on their head. Personally, I liked the idea of the veil even as a young child. It was never explained to me in this way, though. I thought it was just to show respect to our Lord.
As a convert, there were many things in Catholicism that took some getting used to. Things like confession, purgatory, and Mary’s immaculate conception were all teachings I had to work through and grow to love. Veiling was not one of those things. It was something I was drawn to immediately and a choice I made on my own. Perhaps it was my already “girly” nature, but I’ve been wearing the veil for over two years now, and I never feel quite so feminine as I do when I wear it. I’ll admit, it is sometimes very hard, especially when visiting parishes where no one but that one 90 year old veils, but I feel naked without it. A small piece of lace has taught me more about femininity and womanhood than anything else in my entire life, and it has made me embrace that femininity all the more. I look forward to raising daughters in the Catholic faith and teaching them what an honor it is to be a woman, and what it means to wear the veil.
That is a lovely testimony, and as a cradle Catholic from a liberal Diocese in the northeast where pretty much ALL parishes are that one parish where only that one 90 year old veils – at least, by and large – your sweet desire to live the truth of your femininity in this visible way as a young convert is inspiring to me. Thank you.
This is an absolutely beautiful explanation on veiling! I first came across veiling about a year ago (and I even bought a lovely veil at a Liturgical Time shop on etsy a couple months ago), but so far I’ve been hesitant to wear mine. I’ve maybe seen one or two women wear them (ever) and they were of an older generation. Whereas, I’m 23, and I feel that I would stick out terribly if I were to wear mine to Mass. It’s silly perhaps, but as an introvert, I don’t want to be particularly noticed or unsettle anyone (because I have unfortunately come across misunderstood attitudes toward veiling by others online) by wearing my veil to my hometown parish…where no one else wears one. So if anyone has any helpful tips for how I can get over that, I’d greatly appreciate it! Because I really love the richness of veiling and would love to actually wear mine to Mass.
I started veiling at 24! I feels so strange at first, but I think this article, http://www.lauramcalister.com/2013/12/11/50-simple-steps-start-wearing-veil-mantilla/, sums it up!
Oh my goodness that list made me laugh! Especially since it was spot on and I’ve been considering doing #28 before trying my veil out at Mass. Thank you!
Ok, I know this is a hot! button! topic! here in the Catholic blogosphere, so please read everything I’m going to say in a kind, non-confrontational voice. It’s so hard to discuss things like this over text.
I have yet to come across a “women, consider ‘veiling’!” post without running up against the same obstacles in every one.
1. The appeal to Mary.
Yes, Mary is always depicted wearing a veil. In all the approved apparitions of her (that I’m aware of), she is wearing a veil. But if we’re going to go down the “Mary always wears a veil, so should all women as a sign of their intrinsic sacredness/modesty/humility/whatever virtue is being argued” path, then we cannot arbitrarily stop at veils. Mary is always depicted wearing long, flowing robes. Usually of blue. Should women also adopt this particular item of clothing?
2. St. Paul and the Culture War
1 Corinthians 11 2-16 is often cited in the head covering debate. Mr. Blanski did in his guest post. The most frequently used “workaround” for this passage is that Paul was referring to a specific culture, and that specific culture only. Mr. Blanski infers that such a notion is in error, as cultural concepts of clothing are bound to “the culture of Christ”, and thus still applicable to His disciples. It is only logical then that the **entirety** of 1 Corinthians 11 2-16 is still applicable to Christians. And since that passage says a woman cutting her hair is “shameful”, it does sort of open a whole new can of worms. Particularly when the post in question is hosted on a site run by a woman with beautiful, wonderful, short hair.
3. Battle of the Sexes
The last thing that always presents itself as an obstacle in this topic is the notion of women’s sacredness, which is best highlighted by covering her head when in the Real Presence. It’s not the differences between genders that bothers me. I understand the concept of the complimentary nature of the sexes. But, since I’ve read “Harrison Bergeron” a number of times, I know that while “same” doesn’t mean “equal”, neither does “wildly different expectations for sexes that are supposed to fall under the same group”.
Mr. Blanski talks at length about the Church being the Bride of Christ, and how brides are covered in glorious raiment. Yet it is only the females members of the Church who are expected to take this spiritual concept and turn it into a physical object. But! Women are sacred vessels! We carry life! And then a number of commonly covered sacred objects are mentioned (the ciborium, the chalice, the monstrance), ergo, so should women be covered, because they are life-giving vessels.
But here’s the thing- it’s not just any chalice that’s covered. It’s not just any ciborium. It is a chalice and a ciborium and a monstrance that contains Christ which is covered. It is not that the object is special. It is what the object contains that is. So, using this reasoning, wouldn’t *every* parishioner cover his or her head after receiving Holy Eucharist? Wouldn’t that be a better physical symbol of the indwelling of the Eucharistic Lord?
The appeal to “women as sacred, thus she should cover” never hits me logically, not because it requires different things of the sexes, but because it cuts men out of the equation- either by design, or by oversight.
Anyway, sorry Haley, for writing this GIANT NOVEL OF A COMMENT in your combox. And I think I’m looking forward to other people’s responses to it….? IDK.
Hey Cari! I’m interested in hearing other folks share their thoughts on your points because I won’t pretend to be deep into the veiling/non-veiling issues. It’s all pretty new to me. But one thing struck me about your first point. While those other facets of Mary’s garments are part of iconographic tradition and typical to apparitions, it’s veiling that has become part of Catholic tradition. And there’s probably a reason for that. One thing that I’m thinking is that while style of dress varies drastically by culture and climate (Long, flowing robes in Florida summers are a big no thank you, for instance), most cultures do have a tradition of wearing some kind of something on their heads. Hats, veils, decoration. Introducing a new layer of meaning on those head coverings seems like a p. cool thing. But maybe I’m just REALLY into hats right now because I’ve been watching too much Peaky Blinders on Netflix…
One more thought. I don’t know, but I’d be interested to hear how the magisterium interprets the passages in 1 Corinthians. All culture-specific? Applying to everyone? Since veiling has been a practice embraced by the Church, perhaps the passages ARE interpreted as applying differently? Get a biblical scholar in here ASAP!
OK, more informed folks, have at it! (In a nice, charitable, we’re all in this together have at it.)
In 1 Corinthians 11:10 St. Paul says that a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head “because of the angels.” Not because of the culture! Angels are present at every mass/ divine liturgy. Lots of them. We are worshiping in the Heavenly Jerusalem! For me, I realize that I am making a statement about what is going on in the mass and most especially the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist when I wear a covering on my head.
Only one other woman occasionally wears a hat in my (small) parish. I started small with thick cloth headbands and now that it’s cold, I wear a plain cream colored knit hat. I personally think that the St. paul was describing an actual veil which covers at least most of the hair, but I started small with the headbands to get me into the habit of something on my head and to serve as a reminder to me personally about what is going in mass. Maybe I’ll work up the guts to wear a scarf at some point. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, so I started small and have done only what I’m comfortable with in order to cover my head.
(Also, I can’t remember where I read this, but there is an actual church document that says that this is not to be considered a normative practice anymore. Nevertheless, I personally feel called to follow it.)
Hi Ashley!
I’ve heard the “because of the angels” explanation before. And it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m not sure why wearing something on my head signals submission to….what? God? My husband? and why the angels would care. Like, not to be crass, but my guardian angel has seen me do a LOT of bad things, and I can’t imagine that somehow it would be this lack of head covering what finally broke its poor angelic back, you know?
Also, if this sign of submission is to God, then why don’t men do some analogous activity? Don’t the angels care about men? And if the sign is of submission to my husband/father/whatever man is in authority over me, then…yeah, not to get all secular feminist over here, but I don’t understand how that would be profitable for my soul.
Thank you for adding this faucet to the discussion! I completely forgot it earlier, and it is also one of the reasonings behind wearing a head covering that seems illogical to me. What am I missing?
Another facet to be considered is that Scripture is inspired. It doesn’t always make sense (St. Paul doesn’t explain his “because of the angels” reason at all, just drops it and moves on), but it must be in Scripture for a reason. That’s not a reason by itself to veil, because Scripture is complicated and the authority of the Church says women are not required to cover their heads in church, but it shouldn’t entirely be dismissed as just part of the culture.
On your point about short hair (and I’m not a Biblical scholar nor a Greek expert, so it’s entirely possible I’m wrong), someone once explained to me that it meant having your head shaved versus having short hair and that having a shaved head as a woman meant you had dishonored your family.
The analogous practice for men is the intentional UNCOVERING of the head, which is still considered men’s sign of respect.
But you’re right, the veil in and of itself is meaningless. It is a symbol, though- it reminds us of the invisible reality of the love of Christ for His Church, which is most closely explained as a “nuptial” type of love.
You might like to read this: http://www.veilsbylily.com/vanity-vanity-does-god-really-need-to-see-a-veil-to-recognize-piety/
I’m thankful for the novel, Cari.
I always come away from the veil debates kind of scratching my head and not quite sure where I stand on the matter.
I understand, in theory, the beauty of the practice, especially if it helps one recollect oneself for Mass and focuses attention on the liturgy at hand, but I just can’t imagine myself ever wearing a veil.
I did have to once, during an extraordinary form Mass that my parents took us to when I was younger, and I remember thinking it was really weird to have to put something on my head for *this* Mass and not for Mass at our regular parish.
That being said, I also cover my shoulders when attending Mass/visiting churches in Rome, but not here at home. I think it has more to do with cultural context and expectations than a spiritual reality.
Don’t get me wrong- I **LOVE** the idea of doing something physical to help our bodies understand that the Mass is Something Different, you know? We are created to be bodies AND souls. But I guess I don’t understand why the veil is held up as The Thing women might engage in to do so.
Cari,
I just thought I would respond to two of your points.
As for 1 Corinthians, the crucial line there is “maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.” I think St. Paul makes it clear that it is not just a cultural thing, but a traditional thing. I once looked into St. Thomas Aquinas’ commentary on this passage and he made it pretty clear that it was traditional and not cultural.
And for the distinction between man and women, women represent the Church who is the bride and men represent Christ who is the bridegroom. It would not make sense for men to veil, because they do not represent Christ. And while it is no longer in Canon Law for women to veil, the 1983 Code of Canon Law maintains that men are not to cover their heads in church.
Thanks Susanna!
I guess the next question is, Is Paul talking about little “t” tradition, like priestly celibacy, or big “T” tradition, like the Assumption of Our Lady? And if it’s big T Tradition, then why would the obligation be removed from Cannon Law?
I don’t expect you to know the answer to this! I’m just thinking out loud here.
As for women representing the Church as Bride of Christ, and men representing Christ, well, I guess that sort of reveals the crux of the issue for me- if women are to continually dress as a bride while in the Real Presence, what are the men doing? Catholicism is a Sacramental thing- what we do with our bodies matters. I guess I can’t buy into the whole Sacramentalism of the head covering as this great symbol of amazing things, when there is no analogous practice for the men.
And I know this makes me sound like a whiny little first year Women’s Studies Major- “It’s not faaaaaaaaiiiiir! Men and women should be exactly the same!!!” but that’s not my intent. I think it’s because I revere the wisdom of the Church’s insistence that our bodies and souls are designed to work together, that the absence of a similar practice for men makes the whole head covering thing ring false.
After all, if it’s this amazing practice that really drives home so many amazing points about the Mass, why wouldn’t Holy Mother Church come up with a similar- though not identical!- practice for men to observe?
So I’m Jewish and it’s traditional for Jewish married women to cover their heads with a little lace doily in synagogue. (The really intense Orthodox Jewish women also shave their heads and wear a sheitl, or wig all the time because of modesty I think). The logic I always heard for the doily in Hebrew school had to do with the shame of the the whole golden calf incident, and women absorbing their husbands’ sins upon marriage (men must cover their heads too, but only married women were required to do so.) I’m wondering if this is related at all? Maybe like a tradition that got partly repurposed?
But the men do observe–the women! The veil is not only for the benefit of the person wearing it. Devotional practice edifies the whole Church.
Cari
I would say that the sacramental symbol for men is the lack of head covering. But Mary K. is right also, since wearing a head covering is a public action, it is for the benefit of the whole church.
And I wonder the same thing as to why the tradition was done away with. As far as I can tell it happened in the 1960s with all of the other liturgical changes. I have heard that bra burnings and veil burnings were often done together. So, in fact wearing a veil could be a way of emphasizing true femininity. 🙂
Fun fact: bra burning was never actually done by real women as a form of protest. The only documented instance of bra burning was done by actresses hired for a photo shoot meant to criticize feminists.
Cari – one thing I heard of was that in the culture Paul was speaking to it was fashion for women to wear elaborate hair styles (or if you were rich, wigs). The way you wore your hair was not only a fashion statement, but as sign of your economic status and maybe even political affiliation. So, culturally, it made sense for Paul to encourage people to cover the outward signs of your economic or political status when in the presence of Jesus/God/The Eucharist since we are all one in Christ.
I like to apply this to modern times by thinking of the act of veiling as something we should feel drawn to do that makes us one with the rest of the congregation. If we’ll stand out to a congregation that doesn’t veil it might not be prudent to draw attention that way, but if you attend with a congregation that observes it as a whole you’ll stand out for not doing it; therefore taking in to consideration the “culture” of each church we should be acting in such a way to make us unified.
I have absolutely nothing to add to this discussion (but I am enjoying reading the comments!), but this part of Cari’s comment just made me lol – “And since that passage says a woman cutting her hair is “shameful”, it does sort of open a whole new can of worms. Particularly when the post in question is hosted on a site run by a woman with beautiful, wonderful, short hair.” 🙂 Haley, you do have beautiful, wonderful, short hair!
Thank you, Cari, for your thoughtful comment. I, too, always find myself feeling conflicted on this. In some ways, I find the mantilla a beautiful symbol and feel drawn to some of the imagery around veiling. In many ways, however, I find the theology around this to be lacking (which probably contributed to the Church’s decision to remove it as a requirement), as you pointed out.
To the points you’ve already made, I will add my (very personal) reason not to veil. As someone who is easily tempted to spiritual pride (look at me! Kneeling in prayer! Here with my babies! I’m so lovely and pious!), I fear that veiling would only add to this temptation, especially because my parish has, I believe, two women who veil. Obviously this wouldn’t be a concern if I were, as someone below mentioned, conforming to the culture of a parish where many women veil. And, of course, this would not be a reason for many of my sisters in Christ, who are less prone to this particular temptation than I, to avoid veiling.
That is SUCH a good point about spiritual pride; I sometimes struggle with it also. It’s hard sometimes when you want to be outwardly faithful, but doing so would be more ostentatious than not, so NOT being outwardly faithful is actually the more holy option. I am drawn to the idea of veiling as well, but like you, refrain because I don’t want to seem like (or internally feel like) I think I’m spiritually superior to other people. (Especially because I sometimes go to Mass at my university’s church, where NO other students have ever veiled, at least that I’ve seen.)
Thank you, Cari, for voicing all of the reservations I have about veiling!
One the one hand, having a special garment to signify reverence for the Eucharist/ prevent distraction is an attractive idea. I studied religious textiles in grad school, so the historian in me loves this vivid tradition.
On the other hand, we no longer live in a time where hats are universally worn and imbued with significance. In the Jewish tradition BOTH men and women have specific headgear, but we Catholics are no longer in a situation where every man must remove his hat to enter a church. Gender parity and cultural meaning has been lost.
On a very personal note, as a recently married women who has yet to have kids, I find references to the spiritual significance of Mary/motherhood/wombs alienating to my current state in life. Yes, I love babies and hope to have many one day, but I chafe at possible implications that my uterus is the source and summit of my Christian dignity. Theology of the Body is bigger than that.
Beautiful! I have wanted to veil for a long time, but as a wife I also have to “veil” myself in my husband’s authority, and he doesn’t like veils, haha. oh well!
Hi Haley, first time commenter here but ive been following your blog for a while. I’ve been veiling for over a year now. Taking a trip to the Holy Land 2 years ago sparked my interest in this devotion and I haven’t looked back! I feel naked now entering the house of God, a truly sacred place, without a veil or scarf covering my head. To make a long story short.. veiling has allowed me to not be distracted in mass… to focus only on the Eucharist… to be actively present not only physically, but also spiritually, during the most sacred mystery and miracle of the consecration. It has helped me internalize how truly real the Real Presence is… and since I’m a new first time mom now… this simple act along with pregnancy and motherhood has deepened my relationship with Mother Mary as well. I do feel a more deeper connection to her since she wore a veil too. I was insecure veiling at first since I was the only one veiling at my church but a priest friend of mine challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and approach this devotion with a prayerful and open heart. I’m so glad I did because this simple devotion has opened many doors and opened my heart to seek, discover, and uncover many wonderful mysteries of the Church which I may have never experienced (such as the beauty in Latin masses) had I not veiled. Veiling has deepened my faith in ways I could never imagine and I will definitely be sharing this tradition/devotion and all I have learned and continue to learn with my daughter (and God willing) and my future children.
This is an issue I’ve been thinking about too!
If women are sacred, shouldn’t they veil all the time, not just at Mass or in Adoration?
I feel very conflicted about veiling….there is a growing group in our parish that veil, many that I am friendly with. I understand the symbolism and the ideal, but I also know how many (not all) of the articles, blogs and their commenters make me feel…and I don’t want to be counted among that lot. I don’t have the luxury of church clothes, which already causes me to stand out…And there many parts of my faith, aside from my outward appearance, that I struggle with feeling like the fruits should be more apparent. ..so for now I don’t veil…maybe further down this road I will feel like my faith is apparent without the veil, and worthy of the veil…
I’ve been veiling for a few years. When I first started, the only weird looks I really got were from my husband, hah! (He has since come to appreciate it.) I’ve found that when I put on my veil upon entering church, it’s more of a sign and reminder to myself that I’m somewhere special, in the presence of Someone Special, and helps me focus. I am not a theologian – for me, it was more of a gut intuition than anything. I have seen a similar change in my boys, ages 9 and 7, when they put on their little cassocks to serve at Mass. The demeanor shifts; suddenly they are more serious, their backs a little straighter. As far as the standard for men and head coverings in church being different, I am guessing it is so because in our culture, removal of hats is a sign of respect. I really like Jen Fulwiler’s take on this subject. http://www.conversiondiary.com/2013/02/notes-from-beneath-the-veil.html
I tried veiling for a while, and for a while it worked out fine for me, but that was when I had longer hair. Now my cropped hair won’t hold any of the bobby pins and the veil is just like, “see ya!” every time. Most masses would be spent fighting my little veil or trying to discover where it went to. In the end I decided it was more worth it to concentrate on the mass.
Maybe someday, if I grow my hair out again, or if it decides to hold clips again, I’ll adopt it again.
Try a snood! Or one of those triangle scarves that tie. Or an infinity veil. There are so many different styles! I have an issue with the traditional mantilla because I have very thick and wild curly hair. It’d be like covering a bale of hay with a handkerchief. So I am planning on wearing a snood starting this Advent and I am going to try and do it all year. Fingers crossed!
I grew up in a culture (Romani) where head covering was normal, so it never occurred to me not to veil during holy mas until college.
I don’t understand the hostility towards veiling. It seems to me that a lot of the hostility comes from assumptions about what it means and what it doesn’t mean about women’s place in the sacred and secular realms.
I do veil, and I require my daughters to as well whenever we are in the sanctuary where our Lord is present. Traditions draw us to our history and encourage us to see relevance in ancient beliefs.
I agree, Ashley. I get people not wanting to but the *hostility*? I guess it’s because of what it means for other cultures and women being forced, etc? But I have always found the practice beautiful and even before I converted toyed with the idea of everyday headcovering.
To me, if a woman prayerfully determines that wearing a veil will help her spiritually, she should try it and see if it does, and continue to do so as long as it does and she feels called to it. That can be beautiful and bear good fruit in her life. I only veil when I visit Orthodox churches, because that is their tradition and practice (although I have yet to go to an Eastern Rite Catholic liturgy where they veil). They typically use plain or traditionally-patterned shawls, and wrap them not unlike some Muslim women do, so that’s what I do. I went through a whole, “Am I breaking the law of the church by not veiling?!?!” freak out a few years ago. From what I can tell, it was completely unnecessary. There is no obligation to wear a veil under church law, and I don’t feel called to it. Cari’s post expresses exceedingly well the additional concerns I have developed when it comes to veil advocacy.
It seems to me that many people go from that quite reasonable stance of personal practice to deciding that women all should wear veils to be good Christians (something the Church does not require). When that happens, it has the possibility to be controlling, self-righteous, divisive, and scrupulous, and it does irk me that this sort of stuff is so rarely directed at men, but is often directed by men. We don’t all have the same callings, temptations, needs, etc., or we wouldn’t all have different gifts, vocations, and forms of spirituality that help us. It gets to be like someone scolding St. Ignatius for not being a Franciscan sometimes.
Also, a historical note, while North American and wealthy people in European countries ditched veils earlier (replaced with bonnets and hats), veils remained just normal middle class/peasant/poor clothing in many European countries until a good part of the 20th century, so I don’t find it particularly persuasive that women wore veils (or hats or bonnets) in church, given that they wore them everywhere else. Most of them also wore floor length dresses all the time. And if you compare habits of older orders of nuns, you’ll see that the restricted colors and patterns were distinctive in their eras, but otherwise their clothes matched the times. Think of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s order—same thing, just more modern; the only reason we think of a particular style of clothing as being nun-like is because we’re not medieval.
On a bare personal level, I confess I don’t understand the popularity of the mantilla. It doesn’t really cover hair, and lace is so beautiful and ornate that it always draws my eye, so I’m not sure it serves two of the commonly-repeated rationales for veiling, but that’s a subjective experience.
FYI – not all Orthodox women veil. Some parishes everyone does. Some no one. A lot are mixed. So don’t be surprised when you go for a visit – and prepare either way if you’re hoping to not stick out 🙂
True! My general rule is—you can always take off what you have, but you can’t put on something left at home, so if no one else were veiling, I’d just have a nice shawl on. I mostly visited Russian Orthodox Churches in Russia. For worship, they always veil there, although some women’s hair shows. I also wore a veil when visiting the larger cathedrals that tourists visit as a sign of respect, even though many tourists don’t veil when visiting.
Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking about, hats and bonnets. I am pretty sure my faithful catholic grandmothers didn’t wear veils back in the day, they wore hats! People wore hats when they were dressing up or going out in public. This is why I can’t really see this contiunity of a mantilla from the time of Mary or anything. It seems like it really is more of a cultural thing. Perhaps in Spanish or Italian families they did wear veils? And yes, think of the flying nun habits or the habit of St. Catherine Laboure. They look odd to us, but they are very similar to what any “secular” maid or servant would wear in the middle ages.
So I’m in the veiling group of the commentators. I started quite while ago and have heard all sorts of debates on why not to veil, should I veil and veiling itself. Ladies, may I suggest you view/listen to this podcast on veiling. I do think they were beautifully done.
The act of veiling is a personal choice now, though I do believe this wasn’t the intention of the church from Vatican II. One who opts to veil is not any holier than those that do not. That being said there does seem to be too much focus of why not to veil. I think this is sad. The answer shouldn’t be difficult nor should it be made from a 2014 secular perspective. Follow your hearts ladies and if you are being called to veil then get to that covering. Your reason should be because of Christ true presence and that’s it.
http://www.veilsbylily.com/the-theological-significance-of-the-veil/
http://www.audiosancto.org/sermon/20090628-Precious-Things-are-Always-Veiled.html
I was about to post those exact two links, Elizabeth! Right on 😉
The only veil I’ve ever worn was at my wedding, but over the summer I went to see an icon that was at a Russian Orthodox Church. Because it was the practice of this church, and the visit of this icon was such a sacred occasion, I wore a scarf to cover my head.
I didn’t really stop before hand to think about how it would feel to do this, but I was surprised to find that the act of wearing the covering among other women and robed priests made me feel more in tune with the sacredness of the room–it was sort of an outward sign of reverence and I honestly was slow to take it off. I almost felt sorry for the men who were there who weren’t able to so outwardly wear a sign of their faith and reverence.
I think the key to a positive experience with this is the motivation behind it; to me, this type of veiling is not about covering what makes you feminine or guilty about how others may look at you— but rather something just between you and God and the moment you’re trying to be part of.
I started veiling at Extraordinary Form Masses because it was the custom, and then decided to keep veiling at all Masses because they all have the same Sacrifice. I also veil during Adoration or basically whenever I’m in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. For me, veiling is an outward reminder that something supernatural is happening. I don’t walk around with lace or a scarf on my head in everyday life, but I do when I’m in a church. Furthermore, St. Paul said that women should cover their hair and while the 1983 Code of Canon Law did not contain this requirement in church (which is completely valid and no one is required to veil or “less holy” if they don’t), I still choose to veil.
I often worry about being a distraction to other people. But I remember that I’m doing this for Christ and not them and that I’m not doing anything deliberately to draw attention to myself (and thus just like it is my responsibility to not pay attention to the person with awesome sparkly shoes, it’s also their responsibility not to be distracted by my veil).
I do think that not making generalizations (such as saying many of the people you’ve met who veil end up being self-righteous) can actually help people to not be so distracted, to help veilers not experience hostility, and to encourage women who want to veil but are afraid to make their choice based on personal discernment rather than fear of what others might think. I’ve been stared at or have priests look at my head before giving me Communion very slowly and it’s not fun. It’s doubly not-fun when I realize that there could very well be people in Mass around me who think I’m sanctimonious or holier than thou just because they see me wearing a veil.
Veils can also double as a blinder so I don’t see as many of the adorably distracting babies or as a makeshift personal tent if I don’t want anyone to see me.
Wow…that was a novel! Sorry Haley!
We usually go to the TLM (where I always veil), but I’ve been somewhat inconsistent in veiling when we go to the Novus Ordo because I don’t like being different or drawing attention to myself. But this has helped me realize I need to get over my personal insecurities and do what God’s calling me to do. I think veiling is beautiful, and my husband loves it when I wear my mantilla. I’m not judging anyone who doesn’t veil, and if I were to be asked about the practice of veiling, I would hope to be charitable and gracious.
TYLER BLANSKI BECAME A CATHOLIC?!?!?! WHAT!!!!???? THIS IS AWESOME!!!!! I read Mud and Poetry back when I was still a Protestant, and I loved it, and I’m thrilled to hear that he has also crossed the Tiber! Woohoo Catholic Converts!!!!! 😀
Haley (and Tyler) thanks so much for this! I have finally decided to start veiling this year and am pouring over my options of coverings hoping to get one in by the onset of Advent. I have always been drawn to veiling in one way or another but have fought it because, well, it just isn’t done anymore. I think I have seen all of 2 women cover in my time at various parishes. But enough with the excuses, I want to dive in and figure it all out for myself.
This may interest some of your readers Third Annual Wear the Veil Day (Wear the Veil Day 2014)
We have a wonderfully complex and multi-faceted faith! It is filled with SO many different kinds of people, each having a different personality, each with a different path to salvation. Veiling is just one of the many different devotions that are available to us, so that we can get to heaven. Veiling? Beautiful. Novenas? Marian Consecration? Praise and Worship Music? Silent Retreats? Bible Studies? Saying the Rosary in front of Planned Parenthood? St. Therese Lisieux ? St. Joan? St. Jeanne Jugan? Mother Teresa? Whatever floats your boat. You would be hard pressed to find someone who is regularly devoted to all of those practices and to every Saint.
It just goes to show that there really is a place for everyone in the Catholic Church. I don’t veil, though, I’m open to it, just like I’m open to anything that will help get me to heaven.
Thanks be to God, eh?
I am just not sure about this. I guess I am more in Cari’s camp here!! 🙂 I have been in FSSP parishes where nearly all the women cover their heads, and that does makes it easier to do so. And I do get that people aren’t wearing their veil “at” me, but I also have heard kind of distainful comments made in these more conservative parishes toward women who don’t wear them. People can be uncharitable on both sides of this issue! Personally, when I have tried wearing a veil just to be respectful, I found it highly distracting. It took my mind away from Christ and the mass, and to the scarf or veil or hat! No thank you I have a hard enough time just getting distracted keeping the little ones quiet.
Also just a side note. Both my Catholic mom, and Anglican mother in law( who was just visitng a Catholic church with a friend), have related stories to me of being brought to tears as young children when they were yelled at by a priest for not wearing their chapel veil! And while I cant see this happening today, I guess that would have been in the ’50s, I think these kind of incidents have contributed to people not wanting to wear them or teach my generation (Im in my early 30s) to do so. Just a thought.
I completely agree, Liz. I have had the same experience as you. And I, also, appreciate the points Cari brought up.
From a pragmatic stand point, veils are difficult for me to wear while with a baby older than 6 months. While visiting my sister and attending her FSSP parish, I had a great “opportunity for humility” (winky face) when I borrowed a veil from her out of respect for what was sort of the standard for women at her parish. I ended up constantly fighting my baby from pulling it off my head. Once when she completely pulled it off, I accidentally stuck it back on my head backward. Thankfully, my sister caught that before too long. However, I wasn’t so lucky later on when I ended up carrying my screaming baby out of the church. This time, in my wrestling match with her, the veil had sort of teetered off my head to the side without my knowing it. I finally caught a glimpse of myself in a reflecting surface on the way back from Communion and realized it was half off my head at a wonky angle, giving a similar impression to me of a man with a backward toupee on his head.
Humility is a good thing, but I’m not sure I am being called to welcome any more of it at Mass than screaming and tantruming children at this point.
I’m entirely outside of the biblical debate on covering, being a heathen. I do go to mass every week with my husband and I cover, usually whenever I leave the house or we have company. It is entirely instinctual and only because it makes me feel better. When we were living in Portland I got yelled at alot for being pregnant (I’m not sure why) and so I began to cover as a way of sort of protecting myself. Maybe it doesn’t make alot of sense but it worked and I always feel better in chaos with my head cover on. Just because you don’t have a concrete reason to cover doesn’t mean you shouldn’t if you are drawn to it. I don’t usually use a mantilla but a long shawl or snood, they stay on better, cover more and can be useful in emergencies (spitup or lost hankies).
This was such a beautiful post. I was enlightened so much, Ive always written mantillas off in my head as something not for me, not for the present day but after now that I understand the theological reasoning behind veiling I am very inspired by it. The biggest issue for me is worrying how I will be perceived. Im from Ireland and here there are not aot of younger practicing Catholics, mantillas are almost unheard off.
Haley, how have you found this discussion that has emerged from your gues post this week? Do you have any new lights or insights about veiling?
Most of the reasons against veiling seem centered on the self. And many reasons for veiling also seem…centered on the self. We’re not supposed to be trying to carve out an identity for ourselves. We’re supposed to be getting lost in God’s love!
It seems to me that veiling offers a wealth of opportunities to all of us to subvert the self…whether that means not staring at or judging that one woman at Mass who wears one or trampling down our own self-consciousness or pride at being the one woman at Mass that has one on. Holiness starts in the heart by loving Jesus.
For the record…I’m a Catholic convert from reformed Protestantism and I veil, mostly. As someone who has come in I don’t have any resentment toward the church for traditionally veiling women. I think the hostility is all rather silly, actually. It’s a beautiful old devotion.
Correct me if I’m wrong-veiling was never abrogated, but in the 1983 Code of Canon law was simply not mentioned. And according to the spirit of the times many women decided to stop. Which created a problem because before when everyone was wearing one no one thought of it askance…now it’s this big fat issue all about the self.
I do agree that the theology given behind veiling is not the most robust…or (to me) compelling. It seems reasonable to me to do honor to Jesus and to my femininity by covering. I decided to begin veiling after my first time in Adoration. It was just such a striking realization to me and such an arresting reality to be in THE Presence, body, blood, soul, divinity, of Jesus that I felt that it would be appropriate to cover my head.
Wow. I totally rambled there. Sorry!
One of the reasons I started to veil is because I felt indignation rise up in me over the unfairness of maleness and femaleness. I don’t understand exactly why God made men and women and their relationships as He did, and there are times when I question God’s love because of it. I am reminded of Cain’s frustration when God honored Abel’s offering and not his. Everyone says somehow it was Cain’s fault the offering was not accepted, but scripture is unclear. The only thing we do know is that Cain’s anger and jealousy over the unfairness is what he was judged for by God. And interestingly, look at the exact same wording of the curse over Eve and God’s admonishment to Cain: Gen. 3:16 and Gen 4:7! So, to help remind myself to fight against resentment and jealousy when any unfairness presents in my life, I choose to use devotionals such as the veil to teach me humility (recalling verses like 1 Tim. 2:14-15).
Kathia-That is a really amazing and novel reason to veil. I have never thought of it that way. I don’t veil now….Probably never will. Its just not something to am attracted to, but I have no preference for others either way.
I know this post is from quite a ways back, but I loved reading it when it was posted because at the time I had been considering veiling for a while. Ever since reading it, I have been really wanting to start but couldn’t quite find a reason to. The other night, I FINALLY got the nudge I needed, and it was a reason for veiling that I’d never really heard before! At least, not in those specific words. My mother overheard a woman explain to someone that she veiled because she belonged to an order in which members veil to make reparation for sins of immodestly committed in front of the blessed sacrament. Rather than become judgmental of girls who wear little skimpy dresses to church (like I so often fall into), I actually considered all my OWN sins of the past and the immodest clothes I’ve worn to church and adoration, and even immodesty in the sense of vanity in front of the Blessed Sacrament. So, I finally wore a veil to Easter vigil. I felt super weird about it at first, but I’m so glad I finally started!