Replies

I am interested in peoples' observations and opinions, particularly some of the wonderful Catholic ladies who post here. I realize that the 1983 Code of Canon Law has removed reference to the legal requirement for ladies to have their heads veiled, but do any of you ladies feel a moral obligation to keep your heads covered in the presence of the risen Eucharistic Lord?

Again, not trying to start a fight, but just looking for opinions...

I don't think it's a moral obligation, but it can certainly be an additional reverential gesture.

However, bear in mind that the custom dates to a time when women always kept their heads covered. In fact, even as late as the 1950s, it was unusual for a "decent" woman to go out into public or especially to anything formal without wearing a hat. Covering one's head wasn't particularly unusual then; but as people stopped wearing hats, this became more difficult. Some people carried chapel veils, but others did not. I recall seeing, in the early 1960s, women wearing Kleenexes pinned to their hair at Mass, or in one truly remarkable case, a woman with a dollar bill clipped to her hair!

My feeling is that it's nice, but it shouldn't become a fetish. I have met people who were afraid to go to Tridentine rite masses because they weren't sure if they had to wear a veil, if so what kind, how they should put it on, etc. And they were afraid they would be severely criticized or thrown out if they didn't get it right. That's silly stuff, and I think it should be offered as an optional sign of respect, but not something that is all-important.

Thank you ladies for your inputs. I personally don't see enough ladies who keep their heads veiled in the church.

The way I personally see it is that the veil is an icon for the dignity of the woman, particularly in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord. It is almost unheard of that a woman who (voluntarily) veils herself in the presence of her Lord would otherwise debase herself and tempt others through the wear of immodest and inappropriate clothing. It is also almost unheard of that a woman who (voluntarily) veils herself in the presence of her Lord would act irreverently in His presence, as well. Unfortunately, there are too many modern day women who not only reject the veil, but also reject the idea of their own dignity, as well. Unfortunately, I see that as having a negative influence, not only on themselves, but on the general attitude of reverence during the Mass as a whole.

Am I saying that reverting back to the wear of the mantilla would solve all of those problems? Of course not. As I said before, it's an icon...what it represents is far more than what it is, in of itself.

I will add this: one of the most inspiring things I see from time to time is when I see a young (20's - 30's) lady veiled and in an attitude of prayer at Mass or kneeling in prayer outside of the Mass, it's almost like I'm seeing Our Lady in prayer in the pew next to me.

FWIW. And, again, thanks.

My church is Anglo-Catholic and many or most women wear a hat or veil. Partly this because of the scriptural reference and a 100 years ago that reason alone would have enough. Today, I believe the act has even greater importance.

It is symbolic of a reverential attitude. Putting one on for this purpose sort of kicks-starts a whole attitudinal change from a focus on myself to a focus on God. There are always people who will say that I shouldn't "need" a crutch like that.

Oddly, these same people would be perfectly okay with other dressing conventions for different occasions: funerals, weddings, parties, etc.

Humans need all the help they can get to become humble, it sure doesn't come naturally to us (or me, at least).