I was wondering, after going through the many, many pages of threads about veiling, how many of you actually veil?

Also, curious too:
What are your ages and where are you from?
Why do you veil and why do you think other girls should follow in suit?
If you don't, why don't you?
If you do, what kind of "veil" do you wear and how do you put it on?
Apart from the veil, what else do you normally wear to Church?


Hey, and please no debating here - I am just plain interested in how many of you do and for what reasons. I am hoping to put my findings into a type of essay or something like that.

I put sometimes, because I do so when in a church or country where it is expected and polite to do so.

Eh, I don't care for the exclamation mark ! at the end of "No", lol.

No, I don't wear a headcovering/veil. Why? Honestly, I think it's mostly because I don't want to draw attention to myself or for people to think I'm trying to be "holier than thou".

I veil whenever I'm in church and some of the time when praying at home.



I'm a puella and I live in the Netherlands. I'm an exception to the rule here. Some call it standing out, others call it blazing a trail.



Because I'm a woman and the way I as a woman relate to God (or rather, am open to His relationship with me) commands it. It would be great if more women would do it but it has to be the response of the individual heart to Him rather than something ladies just do.



n/a



I have a mantilla which I fix on with hair grips. Most of the time I wear a headscarf - a piece of fabric tied at the back of my neck (as opposed to the hijab-style). I've been known to use scarves and hoods and hoodies.



I'm a long (as in ankle-length) skirt person, together with sandals or socks and walking shoes (not glamorous but comfy). Tops are generally polo-type things or t-shirts or sometimes an extreme layering project. The thing where my dress wouldn't always be called "modest" (depending on how you define the word) is the neckline, although normally there's a jumper or the like over the top.

Yea, I stand out in church. But I've learnt how to smile and at least try to live up to the standard that my dress demands of me. And I'm slowly getting better at answering people's questions (like the time I actually served at Mass with my head wrapped up in black - the priest thought it was great but I got a bit of a grilling from some ladies who thought they'd been liberated from that kind of nonsense in the 70s. Along with the bra or whatnot ). The patience I've learnt is very much needed in my character and is a cool bonus. Laudetur Jesus Christus

I just started to wear my veil for Mass.

I wear the large white lace triangle one with two bobby pins at the temples.

I have also started to wear long ankle long skirts with some kind of nice blouse or polo T, something modest of course. for shoes I have these flats that have a velcro ctrap on them.

Why wear one? 1 cor 11 5-7, and after reading alot about veiling it honors or faith and Mary.
You can find many links I found in a thread that is currently on the second page: http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=81087

hope that helps

What are your ages and where are you from?

20, US, Bible Belt (I just live here, not from here.)

"Why do you veil and why do you think other girls should follow in suit? "

I actually picked it up from watching other girls who wore them to make a visit to the church, and for Mass; combined with reading articles on the Internet about why; and the Scripture passage that DS cites. Another reason for me is that the girl who was teaching me how to assist at the TLM lent me a veil and said "here you go, you wear this for Mass." At the time, I was struggling with what to do about the newer Mass. So I reasoned, "If they are both Mass, it must be good to wear a veil for both of them." I also received encouragement from a few guys (who can't wear them themselves, but said "nice veil" to indicate approval) and a priest I asked about the Corinthians passage. He said it was a fine custom, so I took that as "permission."

If you do, what kind of "veil" do you wear and how do you put it on?

At the TLM a white lace mantilla unless it would match badly, and then I have a beige summer hat or a grey wool felt winter hat and a few scarves (bronze, dark brown) that I wear if I'm going to Mass with my family, who are annoyed by the mantilla but not by hats. If I'm just making a visit to the church and dressed extremely casually I may wear a bandana. Or for the very few times I have to go to Mass right after work cleaning, for Mass also.

Apart from the veil, what else do you normally wear to Church?
Sundays, "dressy" looking blouse or sweater, something with sleeves; skirt at least a little past knee length; heels or sometimes sandals. Week, the next step down if I have time to get dressed nice (sometimes if I'm going in the morning, I will also wear heels and about the same as Sunday), otherwise whatever I usually wear, which is skirt at least a little past knee length and t-shirt or blouse, and sandals in the summer or flats in the winter.

I forgot to answer the first part of the question...

I'm 19, from Washington state, but I go to school in Maryland.

I also find that I have grown up being taught that you always take hats/bandana's/scarf/etc off when you enter a building. Perhaps that's just a guy thing that got made more general.

I'm not against wearing one, and I've considered it on many occasions... just haven't quite the courage to do it for the first time.

I don't normally. However, I when I attended a Latin Mass at St. Boniface, I wore a white, lacy one. The girl who put it on me was so nice ^__^

What are your ages and where are you from?
I'm 20 and I'm from the Detroit area

Why do you veil and why do you think other girls should follow in suit?
I wear a veil at every Sunday Mass. I'm in a choir that is lead by a religious sister and she made it a requirement that we wear one. It's actually part of our uniform. I sometimes veil at daily Mass depending on which Church I go to. When I go to Mass at my parish during a certain time I don't because of the same reason that TeresaBenedicta mentioned. I know a lot of the people will think I'm trying to be "holier than thou." I want to wear a veil as a sign of modesty, but I don't want others to sin in their hearts.
I think all girl should wear veils as a sign of modesty and honor Our Lady. I think it's especially important to wear viels during this time to be a witness in a time where people think wearing less is better. I also think all women should be an example of Our Lady to the world and this is a beautiful way to do that.

If you do, what kind of "veil" do you wear and how do you put it on?
I wear a white, lace mantilla and I hold it in place with a bobby pin sort of through the middle. I put it in through the holes of the lace so it doesn't really show.

Apart from the veil, what else do you normally wear to Church?
I always dress modestly. I always wear long sleeves, with my shirt up to my neck or at least three fingers width from my neck. I wear pants but I also try not to wear anything that's very fitting/tight.

I just started wearing one about a year and half ago and it's really, really hard at first. But once you get it on all the fear goes away. I remember feeling terrified before the first time I wore my chapel veil but I prayed for courage and I received a lot of grace. It's very humbling.

oversight, I forgot the 1st part!

How old am I, LOL I am 37 years young and I am from upper side of CT near MA.



Now that I am veiling at my home parish, I noticed today I feel funny at the other chruches, I didn't veil today at the Basilica Minior. Have to correct that!

I may be completely stupid here, but I'm rather ignorant... why does wearing a veil/headcovering honor Our Lady?

I've never seen any women going to church with veils.
Maybe this is more prevalent in America?

Is this a question of modesty?

I am 24 and grew up in Kansas. There I would wear a mantilla if I were stopping in for adoration or weekday mass because I could stuff it in my purse. On Sunday, usually a nice hat that matched my outfit. Now that I'm in Rochester and in an uber liberal diocese, I usually stick to a hat or bandana and sit in the back where nobody will see me and think I'm "holier than thou". I do wear a skirt or dress because nobody needs to see the outline of my caboose in that much detail. Other than that, I just make sure that everything is clean and ironed.

I always dress well for church, but even that's become less emphasized these days... What happened to the Sunday best?
So I take it then that wearing a veil is a sign of modesty, right? I haven't thought this over in any detail, but it seems to me that ideas of modesty in general are changing. Let's be honest, they have at times been fairly restrictive. Since it's not official church doctrine, it doesn't bother me to see appropriate easing of rules on that...
...of course, I am a guy.

I grew up in the 60's and believe me, it was trauma enough! I can't tell you how many times I forgot a scarf or mantilla, and we had to bobby pin a kleenex on my head. It was horrible. I hate hats, never wear them. I do not see it as anything but a personal choice thing. NO one in my parish wears a veil at all. It does not equate modesty to me, nor anything special in honor of Mary. Many feel it does, and if you feel it means something to you, go for it.

I tried going back to that, and I really wanted to like it, too, but honestly, the lace mantilla was just so distracting to me, that I felt it interfered with worship.

I'm with you as well. I always dress nicely for Sunday, although it takes a bit of effort for me. I don't have the family reinforcement, since I'm the only one who's Catholic in my family. At school, I almost always dress nicely for Sunday Mass (probably 9 out of 10). Most kids go to the University Mass in jeans and a sweatshirt. I did that once or twice, but felt horrible about it. There have been times when I needed to go in my uniform (softball) otherwise I wouldn't have made it to Mass at all.

As for daily Mass... I always look decent. Not my Sunday best, but always modest. There have been a few times when I needed to go in my practice clothes, otherwise I couldn't go at all.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on 1 Corinthians 11

http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/1corinth...rinthians11.htm

I believe as some others who have posted that head coverings for women is a personal choice. I also believe that it's a matter of respect for where and with whom one is attending Mass. I believe that most women (perhaps even all women) who attend the TLM where a veil. I'm not sure I see anything which relates to modesty in 1 Corinthians 11...I do see references to authority, relationship, hierarchy and commonly accepted social/ecclesial practice.

I like head coverings but I don't have a need or desire to be dogmatic about them...not that I think anyone here has been....but I do know some who are.

I think it would also do us good to remember that outward signs are just that - signs of something....but an outward sign or particular behavior is not necessarily a virtue in and of itself...it points to a virtue and as such can be a very good thing. For example, take monastic decorum for instance and the practice of "rank in community", the practices associated with this teaching from the Holy Rule are not the virtues, but rather the practice of observing rank can lead one (point to) to experience growth in the virtue of charity....and humility would not be far behind. In my opinion we ought not to abandon outward signs but neither ought we to mistake them for virtue itself.

Peace

Of course I'm sure it depends somewhat on setting.
I generally go to weekday mass on Wednesdays at our school. (It's awesome, we get 5-15 people, almost all of them except myself and my girlfriend are teachers.) When I go to that though, I'm generally dressed the same as I would be on a regular school day, just for practicality. That's ignoring the fact that I like to dress well anyway... Not the point.
Anyway, I think that reasonable effort should be made to dress respectfully, but as long as the effort is there it's not a big issue. It's more about you respecting where you are and what you're doing.

What are your ages and where are you from?
I am 18 and live in Kansas.

Why do you veil and why do you think other girls should follow in suit?
I just recently started to wear a veil because I think that it reflects tradition, of course, but also how Mary would dress. Someone on phatmass said this a while ago: If Mary were to come down to Earth and go to Mass/Adoration, she would probably cover her head. Of course we don't know for aBSOlute sure, but all the times she has appeared, she was dressed that way... It also really does help me focus on where I am. Once you figure out how to get the mantilla/scarf to stay on your head (bobby pins, definitely), it doesn't get in the way, I don't think. But just noticing that I have something on my head at aLL during Mass reminds me immediately--I am wearing this because I am in GOD's presence. It separates Mass from the rest of my day, because I don't wear my mantilla otherwise (obviously). A reason apart from the usual reasons is, for girls that are discerning/think they have a religious vocation, they will possibly end up in an order that wears a veil as part of their habit. Surely if nuns covers her head in Mass, it can't be bad for other women to.. But I'm not condemning you if you don't veil, either.

If you don't, why don't you?
The times I don't is because I'm with my family and don't want to answer questions from them about my ultra-traditional Catholic views just yet. Or when I used to chicken out right before Mass because I didn't want people to give me weird looks or anything. Then I realized, I'm a teenager; I get weird looks coming to Mass joyfully, modest and in a skirt, anyway.

If you do, what kind of "veil" do you wear and how do you put it on?
I have a black mantilla that I hold on with 2 bobby pins right above my forehead, pointing down towards my ears, through the holes in the lace. Hides them well enough. I sometimes also wear a long scarf that I throw one side of over my shoulder, and sometimes put just one bobby pin on the side of my forehead, by the opposite shoulder. This tends to get even weirder looks sometimes, because people tend to think that's the "Muslim" style or whatever. But then, I'm in Kansas. People don't know. I think I want to get some kind of bandanna too, because it would just be less conspicuous.

Apart from the veil, what else do you normally wear to Church?
Always a skirt, and to my knees or longer. Shirt with at least short sleeves, though longer (or with a sweater/shrug) if I can, and not low-cut or tight (not that I go put those on right after Mass either lol). I'm fairly tall, so ballet flats or nice sandal-type shoes.

Hats are hard to find these days, a little bit, but Target and some department stores--Dillard's and Macy's at least--do sell them, if you are interested in covering your head when you're with your family. Kind of nice just for going out, too, women used to wear them all the time. They don't suit some people though. (I also had conversations with myself about what was the point if my hair was down--it's quite long--so I worked out a few ways I can pin it up under a hat, but that's up to you. Everyone else I see in hats has short hair so no problem.) *shrug*

http://www.catholicplanet.com/veil/index.htm
http://adorotedevote.blogspot.com/2006/05/...to-veil_24.html
http://web2.airmail.net/carlsch/MaterDei/H...omily040523.htm
http://www.fisheaters.com/theveil.html
** http://catholicknight.blogspot.com/2007/12...l-campaign.html **
http://catholicrestorationists.wordpress.c...he-chapel-veil/
http://teaattrianon.blogspot.com/2007/04/v...-in-church.html
http://www.canonlaw.info/2006/09/vatican-i...apel-veils.html
Funny but look at #1 Yes! http://aestasultima.blogspot.com/2007/06/o...ghter-note.html
http://www.latin-mass-society.org/wearmantilla.htm
http://culbreath.wordpress.com/2007/10/13/latin-mass-faq/
http://www.catholicplanet.com/women/headcovering.htm

I voted I plan to. As soon as I can find a veil in a Catholic store around, I definetly will start. I have never seen any in the store I always go to. Oh, I'm 14. I'm from Greenville ,(or G'Vegas, if you're from here) South Carolina. That's where Bob Jones is!

When I was first looking for one, someone told me that often in Catholic bookstores, even if they don't have any on display, they'll have some behind the counter, so always ask if you don't see them.

Thanks for the tip! I don't look good in like baseball hats and the like, (not that I intend to wear those to Mass) but I guess I really haven't tried on a whole bunch of other types, because like you said, no one wears them much anymore. Very good idea though... I will have to look. And I do happen to have short hair right now, although I am very much wanting to grow it out like I had it before. On long hair, braids would seem to be versatile with hats, or pulled half back..... sorry, bit off topic; just thinking...

I used to wear it but I stopped because I was feeling spiritual pride about it. It was dangerous for me to wear it--it didn't help me feel modest or humble at all. It had the opposite affect it was supposed to have. I felt superior to the other women not wearing veils and thought disdainful thoughts about them.

If I attend the TLM then I veil because I do not wish to distract anyone.

I hope at some point in the future I will have progressed to the point where I can safely wear the veil, but I am not there yet.

In the mean time, according to the 1983 code of canon law, women do not need to veil. So it is perfectly alright not to.

I also dislike the exclamation point after no in the poll.

I don't wear one right now, but I intend to at University this fall. I am thinking about veiling at daily Mass, but I play flute at Sunday Mass, and the veil would draw too much attention. It would distract the parishioners far too much.

I'm 18 and I live in Minnesota, currently.

I just wanted to say, as a guy, that I think it is really cool to see girls/women in veils, ankle length skirts, etc. I don't think there is enough of it, to be honest. That's just my opinion, though.

May God bless and protect you always in all of your endeavors!

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe

It is not very safe to be asking these two questions online.

I've always been curious why women wear head veils. I never knew about the bible passge in 1 Cor. either. Now I know a lot more about it and I think I want to start. Where do you even go to buy one?

You cover your own glory (hair) to help cultivate an atmosphere where everyone will recognize the glory of God who is present and look at Him rather than you - or at least, admire His beauty more than yours.

littleflower, There are 3 ways to get a veil
a) Go to your local Catholic bookstore and look around, and ask, sometimes they have them behind the counter.
b) Look at one, then go buy a bit of lace fabric and lace edging and sew yourself one, if you are handy with a sewing machine. (This could save money, they are usually at least $20, I think.)
c) Order one from somewhere like Halo Works, eBay (if you don't mind a vintage/used one), or another online website. CatholicForum.com has had many threads on veiling and people often recommend good websites there. I think there was another one, something with Deborah or Devorah. Google "Chapel veil" or "mantilla" and you will find some. If you put in "mantilla" make sure to look at the size, as it can include the Spanish type which are very large.

I bought one from Devorah and I don't really care for it. Maybe it was just the style I picked. I have some from Halo Works that are my favorite. They are not as heavy and they just seem of a bit more quality. I have heard of many Catholic women who order from Devorah ordering some of her other headcovering options (not the mantilla) that are usually looked at as being more "Jewish". I think she does some beautiful work with that, but I don't know if her mantillas are of the same par as her other work. I suggest Halo Works.

I'm 26 living in Liverpool.


I veil to remind myself of in Whose Presence I am. I fought it for a long time (only started covering my head in January/February). I do think it is a beautiful reminder of where we are, and it certainly helps me to focus.


I wear a pashmina scarf, and it varies as to how I wear it. If my hair is down, then I either just put it over my head or put it over my head and wrap the ends so that they're hanging in the back. It depends on if I'm at daily Mass or Sunday Mass as well, as I can sometimes keep my son from pulling it off during a shorter daily Mass, but not as likely at a Sunday Mass. If I put my hair up, then I tie it over the bun, to keep it in place. It's really just about what keeps it in place the best, and what my 7 month old is least likely to pull off.


To Sunday Mass it's usually a skirt & nice top (dresses are difficult when breastfeeding). If it's too windy, then I usually opt for nice trousers. And living on the Mersey, it can be extremely windy sometimes. For daily Mass I usually wear trousers or nicer jeans, or sometimes a skirt, and a nicer shirt.

I don't wear a veil, and the only women I see wearing a veil to church are nuns who wear veils anyway. We do have some women who wear hats, though.
It's really not an issue here.

In my family, the nice, dressy clothes are called Mass clothes, and we wear them for Sunday Mass. Normally what I wear on Sundays is decided by the liturgical colour of the day. I have worn pants to Sunday Mass, once (my skirts were dirty, or something). My skirts range in length from a couple of inches below the knee to ankle length. On weekdays we make sure that we're presentable.