Some of you may know that I have been in the process of discerning whether or not to start wearing a veil (again). I started years ago wearing one during Lent and then continued for a while after Lent. I ceased the practice, and given a particular circumstance, I was forced to revisit it.
I really had a hard time during this process finding information about wearing veils. Those that wear it were able to provide some information, but I didn’t feel satisfied with it. There isn’t a particular well recognized source that explains “veil wearing.” I have been quite frustrated by this; I hope that by writing about it, I will come to a clearer position.
I will have a brief series on my discernment process. This topic can stir very intense emotions. I would appreciate (and relish) a charitable exchange with anyone wishing to engage. I just want to “set the stage” in which discussions might be the most beneficial (regardless of your position). I hope you are able to glean something useful for yourself and/or your families.
Part 1: Discussions
After being in a position of having to discern whether or not I should be wearing a veil, I decided to informally start the process by consulting with other women. Now these aren’t just women passing by on the street. I had a criterion: the women had to be people who desired to closely follow the Catholic Church’s teachings (not that they didn’t perhaps struggle with them). Some of the women wore veils and some of them didn’t. Some of them were from Alaska and some of them were in other parts of the United States.
Those that wore veils were usually eager to discuss veil wearing and their particular reasons. Their reasons varied but there was an underlying desire to please God and/or to acknowledge His physical presence. Upon request, they offered information that they had used in their own process; however the information seemed inadequate. I mean, if it was that clear then why didn’t everyone wear it after reading it. Something was missing.
Those that didn’t wear a veil produced mixed comments to my inquiry. Of course they were all polite and very kind to indulge such a discussion. Some hadn’t really thought of it at all and brainstormed along with me. Others had distinct answers and had clearly thought through the issue. Others simply hadn’t felt called to explore it.
In the end, I was really glad that I had talked to each of them. To tell you the truth, I was really hoping that my non-wearers were going to offer compelling reasons why I could be comfortable not wearing the veil. I was hoping that after I talked to all the women that I would know clearly what I was supposed to do. It didn’t happen that way.
Many years ago when I was a child in England we always covered our heads in church but we never wore veils, we wore hats, mostly berets. I often wonder why we can't do that if we want to be covered but not conspicuous. Having said that, I now wear my mantilla at the Latin Mass (and love it) but don't cover at the English Mass (though I want to), What odd creatures we are!
ReplyDeleteMost people follow St. Paul, can't quote you chapter and verse. He pretty much says that women should cover their heads because it is unladylike not to.
ReplyDeleteAt the end he says to decide for yourselves.
If you want to do, if you don't want to don't. Other people's opinions don't mean squat. Church law says nothing.
Most women who attend EF Mass will, but even their it isn't mandatory.
I went from not veiling to veiling and am now back to not veiling- mainly because my 1 year old (Frodo) likes to pull it off my head.
You might hear talk of being called to wear it and some talk about not being called. Honestly, I was nver called to wear or not wear, I did because I wanted to, and I don't because I don't want the hassle now.
1 Corinthians 11. It is doesn't have anything to do about being 'ladylike'. Rather it has to do with womans relationship with man and mans relationship with God. St. Paul says that it is better for a woman to cut off all of her hair rather than not wear a veil.
ReplyDelete-Daniel C.
I think it's interesting how St. Paul writes about veiling just prior to writing about how to receive the Lord properly in Holy Communion.
ReplyDeleteHe also writes that it's "because of the angels" that we should do this.
St. John Chrystostom wrote, "The angels are present here. Open the eyes of faith and look upon this sight. For if the very air is filled with angels, how much more so the Church! ...Hear the Apostle teaching this, when he bids the women to cover their heads with a veil because of the presence of the angels." 407 AD
Personally, I believe there are many benefits to veiling and that it can serve as a sacramental and may even proffer some spiritual protection. If a woman should have it as a sign of headship, what happens when that sign is not there?
I appreciate that the Lord led me in this direction. It may not be for everybody, but it has been a very effective way for Him to root out certain sins of mine, for which I am thankful.
I can also totally relate to it just being a pain every now and then. :-) I sometimes don't want to wear it...but without it, I feel easily prone to vanity and other sins.
I'd be interested to read any document that made wearing a veil simply an option. Does anybody know where I could find this? Vatican II maybe?
ReplyDeleteFor clarification of the Veiling issue would Card. Burke's decision of whether or not women MUST cover their heads at an EF Mass do?
ReplyDeleteIncluded on the webpage is an explanation by a Licentiate of Canon Law explain as to why the 1917 rule, which also called for the segregation of men and women, was abrogated
http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/head_coverings_in_church.htm
Thank you all for your comments!
ReplyDelete@Jean--I so agree. We are funny creatures! I think hats could be used as well. I would worry I would turn it into a fashion statement....but that is just me.
@Puff..--Where I agree with you is that "Other people's opinions don't mean squat." Although it is true and they don't take the place of the Church's teachings, I still needed a starting point. By discussing it with others, I knew I would be following through with it...one way or another. I used the information from them as the catalyst to do more research and to find where I could look for more info.
Daniel C-- I guess the Code of Canon Law addresses this issue (1983 doesn't mention head coverings and replaces Code of Canon Law 1917 which did). I found EWTN's website helpful like Puff offers for you.
I really will revisit this with the "meat." However, personal issues have delayed me. In addition, it is so meaty that it will take some time to make it coherent. Maybe I will take it in chunks... Thank you all for commenting and I hope that my next post will be helpful to further clarify the issue.