Mantilla on the East Coast US?

[AKDee]

Note: I am NOT trying to open a debate on whether veils should be worn or not. There’s lots of those threads on here already.

On to my question: I live in Alaska where people are very casual. Shorts, jeans, even carharts with duct tape on them are known to show up in the pews, along with suits and dresses and skirts. Very occasionally I will see a woman wearing a mantilla (veil) but it’s not common and in most cases the wearer is from Mexico or South America where I assume it might be more common.

Here’s my question- next month I plan to go visit family on the East coast and in Canada- specifically in New York state, Vermont, and Ontario. I will try to find a local Catholic Church to attend Mass while there, and will take conservative garb to wear (ankle length skirt, long sleeved shirt, high neck) but should I also buy and take a mantilla? I don’t want to show up and find I’m the only woman in the Church without a head covering, and from what I’ve read the custom of wearing one is more common on that side of the country. I don’t mind wearing one, I don’t mind not wearing one. I just want to blend in so that I can enjoy and participate in the Mass without thinking people are staring at me for not fitting in.

 

[Catholic1954]

Note: I am NOT trying to open a debate on whether veils should be worn or not. There’s lots of those threads on here already.

On to my question: I live in Alaska where people are very casual. Shorts, jeans, even carharts with duct tape on them are known to show up in the pews, along with suits and dresses and skirts. Very occasionally I will see a woman wearing a mantilla (veil) but it’s not common and in most cases the wearer is from Mexico or South America where I assume it might be more common.

Here’s my question- next month I plan to go visit family on the East coast and in Canada- specifically in New York state, Vermont, and Ontario. I will try to find a local Catholic Church to attend Mass while there, and will take conservative garb to wear (ankle length skirt, long sleeved shirt, high neck) but should I also buy and take a mantilla? I don’t want to show up and find I’m the only woman in the Church without a head covering, and from what I’ve read the custom of wearing one is more common on that side of the country. I don’t mind wearing one, I don’t mind not wearing one. I just want to blend in so that I can enjoy and participate in the Mass without thinking people are staring at me for not fitting in.

Almost all women in the Lower 48 do not wear any head covering at Mass. Unless you are planning to attend a traditional Mass said in Latin, you would stand out more if you wore one (no one would care, however). You could just bring one with you for piece of mind and leave it in your purse or pocket if you decide not to wear it. I have relatives in Vermont and the leaves are starting to turn color; be prepared for a spectacular treat and have a great time!

 

[echo99]

Most Roman Catholic churches don’t require a head covering on women any longer.

The church (Tridentine) that I attend does require a head covering and modest dress. No pants, sleeveless blouses or tops. skirts covering our knees, no heavy make-up… I wear a veil or a conservative hat. not a mantilla (fancy veil of Spanish origin)

Some French Canadian ethnic churches require a veil. keep your clothing conservative and you can’t go wrong, bring a beret or hat in case you need it.

Good luck and enjoy your visit.

 

[St_Francis]

Mostly what I see in Mass is business attire in terms of formality, *or less. *No one would bat an eye at what you propose to wear, bit for the most part, women that I have seen at Mass don’t go that far.

 

[Confiteor_Deo]

I wouldn’t worry about standing out for not wearing a veil. Even in the Traditional Latin Mass in my parish there are quite a few women that wear no veils at all. The only way you will stand out, I think, is if you wear a veil to a particularly contemporary church.

 

[Marie5890]

I live on east coast. Very rare to see veils. Very. If you want to blend in, I wouldn’t wear one. If you want to still cover your head, I would suggest a no-descript headband or hat.

 

[QNDNNDQDCE]

There’s no prescribed style of head covering. Instead of wearing a mantilla, why not wear something less exotic like a hat? A hat would probably be more traditional than a mantilla anyway. You will have tnte beat of both worlds since you can cover your head without inviting strange looks.

 

[kozlosap]

Most Roman Catholic churches don’t require a head covering on women any longer.

The church (Tridentine) that I attend does require a head covering and modest dress. No pants, sleeveless blouses or tops. skirts covering our knees, no heavy make-up… I wear a veil or a conservative hat. not a mantilla (fancy veil of Spanish origin)

Some French Canadian ethnic churches require a veil. keep your clothing conservative and you can’t go wrong, bring a beret or hat in case you need it.

Good luck and enjoy your visit.

LOL! pants are usually more modest than many skirts or dresses. I told my daughter the other day that in 1971, the year I graduated from high school, pants were only allowed on one Friday a month, and then no levis. What on earth pants have to do with lack of modesty and/or, dress code at a TLM is beyond me.

 

[smead2942]

LOL! pants are usually more modest than many skirts or dresses. I told my daughter the other day that in 1971, the year I graduated from high school, pants were only allowed on one Friday a month, and then no levis. What on earth pants have to do with lack of modesty and/or, dress code at a TLM is beyond me.

There is no “dress code”, but traditional Catholics tend to hold themselves to a higher standard when attending the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It’s important that we wear our best. “Best” is subjective - if you own a suit or dress, wear it. If you only own nice jeans and a button-down shirt, that’s fine too.