Today, more Catholic women are veiling at Mass than ever before. Controversial. Beautiful. Traditional. If you find yourself curious, turned off, or even confused about the practice of veiling, this one is for you.
The dignity and honor of clothing
God was the first fashion designer, and his intention behind clothes was to restore our dignity lost through sin. After the fall, Adam and Eve were ashamed of their bodies. In his mercy, God gave them clothes to restore their dignity and remind them of their true identity as his son and daughter in Genesis 3:21.
Head coverings like a veil can do the same thing. When a bride veils on her wedding day and when a religious sister wears her veil, it signals their vocational commitment. A veil signals a woman’s dignity – she is “set apart” because of her beauty. God nurtures new life through her (physically as well as spiritually)!
Emulating the most beautiful, perfect human?
The Virgin Mary also appears veiled in art. Her body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. and she is the Immaculate Conception who bears the God of the Universe. Her entire person, femininity, and essence is full of grace and sacred ground. Who wouldn’t want to emulate the most beautiful, perfect human?
When women veil, we enter in a small way into that Divine mystery, into the profound experience of original solitude where God is speaking directly to our hearts. We are beautiful, holy, sacred, and therefore, worthy of the veil because we belong to God.
Veiling at Mass is an outward sign that we obediently and freely submit to God out of humility, recognizing that He is King and Lord.
Sacred and life-giving
During the Mass, everything that is sacred is covered and hidden. The chalice that holds Jesus’ blood, a priest’s vestments, the altar, the tabernacle. Even in a procession, the monstrance goes forth under a canopy. Putting on a veil reaffirms the truth that God is the ultimate Bridegroom and we are His people. The wedding feast, and simultaneously Calvary, happens during the Holy sacrifice of the Mass, and women partake especially through veiling.
Before you veil
Chapel veils or mantillas derive from the meaning mantle or cloak. Wearing black veils as a married woman comes from Spanish, Italian and Latin American traditions.
Unmarried women traditionally wear white or lighter veil colors. If you’re at a wedding, however, avoid wearing a white veil out of respect for the bride.
To veil or not to veil? Biblically, there is no specific right answer, besides Paul telling the ladies to cover their heads. Veiling is completely voluntary and a personal decision.
Here are some considerations to see if it’s the right practice for you.
Judgements and opinions may come your way for wearing a veil. By veiling, you are making a statement. As explained earlier, veiling can become a good practice for bolstering your own self-worth, fear of God, and not caving in to what others think. If you have more questions, check out Veils by Lily’s FAQ page.
If your veil distracts you from Mass or draws your attention only to yourself, perhaps it’s not the time to start veiling. Not veiling isn’t sinful. It’s okay if you don’t feel called or comfortable to do so. Do what will best bring glory to God based on your own spiritual life and what comes up in prayer. Be not afraid.
Veil color calendar
Depending on the feast day, you may see different veils of different colors. The more vibrant the color doesn’t always mean better. Veiling is about intention and your relationship with God, not color selection.
Ordinary time - White and black veils are the standard.
Marian feast days - Wear a deep blue or a soft blue to honor Her on Holy days of obligation or even First Saturdays.
Advent & Lent - Try on dark purple for a pop of color or stick to classic black.
Ready to start veiling?
Check out Refine’s review of online veil stores!