Chapel Veils?

[jeanne71350]

Blessed confirmation (I may be misunderstanding and you may be already confirmed but helping with the class - in which case I thank and commend you)! I understand that you definitely may be in a situation where pants are more modest than most skirts, although there are some skirts - midi-length, jeans skirts that I, personally, prefer. I would just make sure that the pants are as modest (even from the rear view) as you can have them be.

Just my :twocents:

I’m making my confirmation next year, and yes I’m kind of in that situation. A lot of my classmates come to mass in dresses which are revealing on both ends and are pretty sheer, whereas I go in my jeans, but my legs and arms are always covered.

-Jeanne

 

[DebChris]

Well, all during my childhood I attended a very low-church Episcopalian church and every woman there wore something on her head, including kleenex. In a large proportion of pentacostal-type protestant churches women still wear something on their heads at church, along with nice clothing.

Jeanne - I really think that jeans are not appropriate attire for Sunday Mass (unless, of course, the person can’t afford anything better, however even in Harlem people go to church in “good” clothes!). For daily Mass or Adoration, jeans are fine tho’, and a kerchief from K-mart or a crocheted beret from Target (I got one there for $10) would go fine with them or certainly with your school skirt.

I hated the idea of wearing kleenex on my head.
Recently in a discussion about headwear, I learned that in the 1950’s, a woman might place a single white glove on her head The story was told by a friend of mine. She was visiting a church in NY The friend she was with gave her a glove to put on her head. She was surprised to find the church filled with women wearing single gloves on their heads

From the days when mastadons roamed the earth (ie pre-conciliar times) this male recalls women normally wearing hats in church. Whether a dressy hat or a beret, it didn’t matter. Chapel veils (not mantillas) were generally considered an “emergency measure” and many women kept one in their purse “just in case.”

I recall that, in grade school, the nuns always had a supply of simple chapel veils at hand for the girls who didn’t have a hat for First Friday or other occasions. Those who could afford it would pay 25 cents. Those who could not got it free. The important thing was a head covering, not the money.

I’ve always liked the tradition of a head covering for women, and I still do (even though I do not voluntarily attend the OF). At the same, though, I don’t have a problem with women going bare-headed, even to the EF.

These days, there seems to be this mantilla-cult that has emerged, and I just don’t get it. If the women are of Spanish descent, it’s fine because they know how to wear it. OTOH, those who are not, do not: they generally wrap themselves up in the thing, just about like a burka. EF or OF, I do have a problem with that.

it’s just

I likewise remember the chapel veil as an emergency measure. I don’t remember seeing one until after Vatican II, with the changes in the Mass.
The chapel veil, with which I am familiar is not the large Spanish mantilla. As with any type a clothing, a person does need to learn the best way to wear it. The last time I saw many women wearing mantillas was at my mother’s church in San Antonio. There it makes sense because of the Spanish influence.
It has always been difficult to find hats that look good on me. I often wore a scarf peasant style. Definitely not flattering.
Before I left WA, I had a furry hat that covered my whole head (early 1970s). After living in CA for seven years and knowing I would never wear it again, my husband was transferred to WI where I could definitely have used it.
Not wearing a hat or scarf seems to be more a cultural development than something brought about by changes in the Church.
One of the reasons I bought a beret last year was because I learned about a Marian group (I don’t remember the name) whose members wear a blue beret. Not only that but they have once again become fashionable–I don’t know that berets ever go out of style since they keep coming back. I can wear a beret with anything, covering my ears if necessary to keep warm.

 

[Jacafamala]

From the days when mastadons roamed the earth (ie pre-conciliar times) this male recalls women normally wearing hats in church. Whether a dressy hat or a beret, it didn’t matter. Chapel veils (not mantillas) were generally considered an “emergency measure” and many women kept one in their purse “just in case.”

I recall that, in grade school, the nuns always had a supply of simple chapel veils at hand for the girls who didn’t have a hat for First Friday or other occasions. Those who could afford it would pay 25 cents. Those who could not got it free. The important thing was a head covering, not the money.

I’ve always liked the tradition of a head covering for women, and I still do (even though I do not voluntarily attend the OF). At the same, though, I don’t have a problem with women going bare-headed, even to the EF.

These days, there seems to be this mantilla-cult that has emerged, and I just don’t get it. If the women are of Spanish descent, it’s fine because they know how to wear it. OTOH, those who are not, do not: they generally wrap themselves up in the thing, just about like a burka. EF or OF, I do have a problem with that.

it’s just

To me veils are much more comfortable than a hat indoors, especially in the warmer weather.

 

[Holy_Anneliese]

I wear a Chapel Veil all the time for every Mass and for Adoration, when I go. Yeah, I’ve had people stare at me, little kids right out point at me, but I don’t care. It’s a wonderful thing to do in order to show outward respect for Christ in the Eucharist.

It’s not disrespectful to wear a Chapel Veil with jeans and a t-shirt. Why would it be?

And despite what others have said about wearing hats in Church… I disagree. I don’t think they are better than Chapel Veils when it comes to Church. I think Chapel Veils are special, something unique that would only be worn before Christ in the Tabernacle. Hats are fashion accesories.

 

[DebChris]

I wear a Chapel Veil all the time for every Mass and for Adoration, when I go. Yeah, I’ve had people stare at me, little kids right out point at me, but I don’t care. It’s a wonderful thing to do in order to show outward respect for Christ in the Eucharist.

It’s not disrespectful to wear a Chapel Veil with jeans and a t-shirt. Why would it be?

And despite what others have said about wearing hats in Church… I disagree. I don’t think they are better than Chapel Veils when it comes to Church. I think Chapel Veils are special, something unique that would only be worn before Christ in the Tabernacle. Hats are fashion accesories.

I don’t want anybody to think that I do not like chapel veils. I do. Very often, however, on these threads they are seen as what was commonly worn pre-Vatican II which is not the case. It is hats and scarves that were the normal head wear
I mentioned the comic strip Curtis in one of the posts. Curtis makes fun of the hats women wear coming to church. The question becomes, is what is being worn meant to show reverence or to make a statement?
You are right about one thing. Who wears a chapel veil except in church?.

 

[adelore]

By all means Wear a Chapel Veil if you have one. It doesn’t matter what “Other People Think”. What matters is your respect and love for Our Lord.

If this makes you feel any better, I’m the Only woman in my Parish who wears a Veil/Headcovering and a Dress. Another lady started to wear a hat after I had worn my headcovering for a few weeks.

If you feel like “Everyone” is looking at you, believe me they aren’t. That would all be in Your mind. Catholics are really too busy paying attention to the Mass, to worry about what you’re wearing.

In our society, we tend to not want to “stick out of the crowd”. We get embarassed easy, we don’t want to be “out of place”. Yet, in our society, we have the Brave people who are the “ones” who start “New Fads” and then everyone likes it and follows suite.

Wearing a Headcovering/Veil for woman in the Catholic Church is a very old tradition. (like 2,000 years old) It’s something that has fallen away from the Chruch because many Woman…started to follow a “fad” of not wearing them. Sad isn’t it? Wear your Veil, and truely you will know the difference when you are in the presence of Our Lord.

Who cares what others may think. St. Paul said a woman should have her head covered. And since this is the “Year of St. Paul”…need I say more?

 

[mullenpm]

Jeanne, you should not be afraid to wear a chapel cap to church on Sunday even if no one else in your church wears one. You might start a trend, who knows.

I grew up wearing a hat to church (pre VII); a woman never entered the House of the Lord with their head uncovered. It was a sign of respect. I will admit though, as someone else has said, on the rare occasion to use a hankie.

Now, I wear a Mantilla (?) or a chapel cap to church and I don’t worry about stares (if there are any) because I don’t go to church for the opinion of others. I really don’t think anyone looks at me at all; veils are getting to be a common sight in most churches.

I also wear pants to church and don’t find them disresptful at all. Just because a woman is wearing a skirt does not make her attire modest. I am shocked at the dress of some women in the Communion line; skirts about the knees, etc.

Wear your chapel cap, Jeanne.:byzsoc::harp:

 

[Havard]

I’m no expert on fashion, but I think berets look very cute, and they aren’t ostentatious in the slightest.

 

[DebChris]

I’m no expert on fashion, but I think berets look very cute, and they aren’t ostentatious in the slightest.

I agree berets are an easy way to once again start wearing a head covering to Mass. If you noticed any of the more recent services at Canterbury, many of the women were wearing berets.
As mentioned in an earlier posts, I considered wearing a blue beret after learning about a Marian devotion group who wears a blue beret as a sign of their membership. Obviously you do not need to belong to any particular group to wear a beret. Berets are one of those items that come and go when it comes to popularity. In other words, they have longevity and you don’t have to worry about whether or not you are being “stylish” at any particular time. They are like A-line skirts when it comes to fashion…
I read many posts about wearing a chapel veil or mantilla for adoration. The veil can make a statement that the woman does not want to be distracted during this very intimate time.

 

[Euthyphro]

It helps to understand the principles behind the practice. Even the little “t” traditions in the Catholic Church are helpful in our sanctification. After reading the following article (latin-mass-society.org/wearmantilla.htm), I hope you’ll be encouraged to use the ancient practice of wearing your chappel veil. As with all things, do it for Him, not for those around you.

Valete in Domino.

 

[ElizabethPH]

Of course it is in respect and reverence for our Lord in the Holy Eucharist but also It’s in Sacred Scripture it is all throughout Cor. 11 1-16. ‘But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered disgraces her head, for it is the same as if she were shaven’. Cor11,5

‘That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels’ wrote Paul 1Cor 11,10 They [angels] are offended by a lack of reverence at Mass. Remember what happened to Herod. “An angel of the Lord struck (Herod) down, because he and not given honor to God, and he was eaten by worms, and died.”

Just food for thought.

 

[mullenpm]

Elizabeth, just had to respond.

**"…and he was eaten by worms, and died.

Just food for thought.**" :dancing:

BTW, I always wear either a mantilla or chapel veil in church. I am from that Pre V2 generation when we wore hats (remember them).

 

[Jimzz12]

Hi everyone,

My cousin wants to start wearing chapel veils, and I’d like to wear one too. My question is, is it disrespectful for someone to wear a veil, but to wear jeans and sneakers?

-Jeanne

Wear it. Under Church law it is your right. It cannot be denied to you.

 

[DebChris]

While I was walking I was reflecting on the Vatican Documents. There is not even a suggestion in the documents that women should no longer wear any hair covering.
This gradual moving away cannot be directly traced to the documents, although it can be traced to individual priests who became more lax when it come to encouraging a woman to wear something on her head.As I type this I think about how we were not allowed to chew gum in class. That was the big no-no. However, schools have bigger issues to deal with today than whether or not students put a stick of gum in their mouth.
As mentioned earlier, it is more a matter of social change than changes in church law. I see my own gradual moving away from wearing something on my head as social change, of being told that it was no longer a requirement. In the 1980’s, when I started reading and distributing communion, the priest specifically said not to hear a hat while on the altar.
I do not want to go back to the point that a woman thinks she has to put a handkerchief on her head, or even sillier than that a glove.
Chapel veils are easy to carry. Vatican II was already in full swing the first time I saw one. In the 1970’s, women wore scarves in their hair, a fashion style that is back in vogue, another way to wear something in their hair without being overly obvious. Right now I am thinking of something I can wear on Sundays that will not be distracting. I wear my fine textured hair in a French Twist. I don’t want something that will be constantly falling out, and therefore another type of distraction.

 

[TracyJ]

I would say to wear it at Sunday mass as well. Who cares what others think? What matters more is your reverence and respect for Our Lord. If both you and your cousin attend the same church for mass, that should make things easier. If anyone asks why you are wearing a chapel veil, tell them your reasons. Who knows, you may start a trend in your church!

Trust me, I know how it feels to be the only one wearing a chapel veil in church. It is a little weird to stand out in the crowd, but once you start concentrating on the mass it goes away. You may also find that you are stronger than you think if people stare or make comments. God will be there to guide you through it.

:manvspc:

I honestly don’t look at other people when I’m at Church so whatever they’re wearing
doesn’t register in my mind usually.
If there were a really stunning woman with a long veil I’m sure I would notice her,
but that would appear “holy” to me, not fashionable.
Nice hats are really expensive and need to change with the Season, so I opt for the veils
myself.

 

[daughteroftruth]

Hi everyone,

My cousin wants to start wearing chapel veils, and I’d like to wear one too. My question is, is it disrespectful for someone to wear a veil, but to wear jeans and sneakers?

-Jeanne

No, it’s not.

 

[DebChris]

When it comes to footwear I am partial to sandals (not flipflops).

 

[HolySpirit08]

Of course it is in respect and reverence for our Lord in the Holy Eucharist but also It’s in Sacred Scripture it is all throughout Cor. 11 1-16. ‘But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered disgraces her head, for it is the same as if she were shaven’. Cor11,5

‘That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels’ wrote Paul 1Cor 11,10 They [angels] are offended by a lack of reverence at Mass. Remember what happened to Herod. “An angel of the Lord struck (Herod) down, because he and not given honor to God, and he was eaten by worms, and died.”

Just food for thought.

Good Lord, the bible was written centuries ago by men in the Middle East. I grew up wearing chapel veils and hats to church but I won’t do it anymore because it is insulting to women IMHO. It’s disrespectful for a man to wear a hat but you think that a woman should cover up? What next, a burka???

 

[sarahraegraham]

Good Lord, the bible was written centuries ago by men in the Middle East. I grew up wearing chapel veils and hats to church but I won’t do it anymore because it is insulting to women IMHO. It’s disrespectful for a man to wear a hat but you think that a woman should cover up? What next, a burka???

I suggest you research the subject on your own more deeply in order to cure your ignorance, then return when you have something useful and non-abusive to contribute. Thank you!

 

[luminoushope]

About awkwardness/discomfort wearing hats:

I used to hate hats. Then I got married. My husband is a real hat person, and not only did he like to see me in hats, he insisted I wear one, especially for performing outdoors (we are musicians). A nice wide-brimmed hat in the sun will prevent a lot of problems, and a hat in the winter will help you stay warm. So I got to like hats. Try it, you might like it!

I like to cover my head at Mass, because it reinforces reverence for God in me. I have been mostly wearing a hat, not one that sticks up too high though. A beret is good. I bought a chapel veil but it insists on slipping off and fussing with it is not how I intend to spend my time during Mass. I am either going to have to cut it down, or double it and tack it at the edges. I’m not sure what will work.

How interesting are the little things of life!