Must a woman wear a veil during Latin Mass?

[ProVobis]

It originated as a cultural sign of modesty and chastity. Until World War I, long hair was considered a sign of virginity. While short hair was considered a lack of chastity.

I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I read somewhere that at one time it was custom in certain quarters for a woman to wear a dark veil if she’s married, a white one if she’s single.

But to answer the OP, you DON’T must wear a veil during Latin Mass. (I hate these modal English verbs, usually poorly translated.)

 

[firead]

Like others have said, it’s not required but it may be expected in some parishes. That said, they should expect some newcomers and be welcoming about it, not judgmental, and they certainly shouldn’t deny you the Eucharist for not having your head covered, because it is no longer a part of canon law.

I’ve attended Latin Mass in several different places. The closest one to me is small, at a mission, and the only other woman there who wears any sort of headcovering usually wears a nice hat - there are actually more chapel veils worn at two of the Ordinary From masses near me. At others I’ve attended, there has been a mix of women with heads covered and uncovered. Veils seem to be very popular, but hats and scarves are still seen as well. The only Masses I’ve been to where I can recall every woman having her head covered and veils being offered to those who don’t have them were at an SSPX chapel (and at least those were given to those who wanted to keep them, not shared).

In short, you are not required to wear a veil or any sort of headcovering, but it may be the norm in some places. If you have considered covering your head to fit in, you could just as easily do so with a scarf or hat and don’t have to buy a mantilla or chapel veil for the purpose (lightweight scarves are good for this - wear as a scarf and if most others have head coverings and you’d feel out of place witout one, then you can slip it up over your head).

 

[ProVobis]

I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I read somewhere that at one time it was custom in certain quarters for a woman to wear a dark veil if she’s married, a white one if she’s single.

Found a recent thread on this.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=421292

 

[E_7]

Hello E-7.

I wear a veil to Church and other places even if no religious events will be taking place. I also veil for Confession. I have my own reasons and they are important to me. Since I recently got attacked and called names here at CAF over this very topic, I hesitate to risk more insults and angst from persons who share my faith over something they themselves say doesn’t matter to them. But since I also know a little more about the subject than usual, I will comment.

Veiling or covering the head isn’t required in either the OF or EF of the Mass, although most women who participate in the EF do veil for various reasons. As Cardinal Burke’s letter states at EWTN, it is anticipated that those women who participate in the EF ill maintain the tradition of veiling for Mass and Communion. The requirement under the Pio-Benedictine Code meant is was a sin not to veil. Under the 1983 Code, this sinfulness has ended. So, to sum up. It used to be required in all Masses especially if the gal was going up for Communion, and if omitted was a sin either venial or mortal depending upon intent of omitter and circumstances. But it is no longer required under pain of since but for the EF, it is expected. (Burke’s word, not mine, so don’t go freaky on me Cat.)

No Priest can nor should refuse Communion to any woman who isn’t veiled and I suspect if a gal showed up to visit a place where she could see and participate in the EF, and she was refused Communion because she wasn’t veiled, I’d suspect there was more to those in that place than simply a fondness for ancient traditional ways. (SSPXer’s, etc.)

Glenda

Hi Glenda, thank you.

We have three Sunday’s left here in Singapore, so I don’t think I would buy a veil. After we settle and know which Church does the EF, maybe I’ll consider getting one. I understand it is not required, but I believe it’s proper to use one.

 

[glendab]

I’m wondering how some who think women aught not veil at all for Church feel about Sisters who routinely cover their heads and wear all sorts of veils. I mean, if they are so much against the rest of us wearing veils in Church, do they think that all Sisters too aught rid themselves of their veils as well? Or do they feel that the Orders that remain who still veil are some how out of step with the current norms in the Church? So, what’s up with that and how does this thread’s question relate to them?

Just curious how this effects women who would prefer no woman wears a veil to Church.

Glenda

 

[glendab]

Hello MJK.

Covering a woman’s head isn’t new, but “veiling” is. See Phemie’s post.

I know, right?

Yuck.

Your comment off-board refer to a statement of fact not an attack and that statement of fact is what earned the attack. It remains a challenge to those same items.

Glenda

 

[glendab]

Hello Provobis.

I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I read somewhere that at one time it was custom in certain quarters for a woman to wear a dark veil if she’s married, a white one if she’s single.

But to answer the OP, you DON’T must wear a veil during Latin Mass. (I hate these modal English verbs, usually poorly translated.)

White is for virgins that’s why young girls and First Holy Communion are all wearing white and why Brides typically wear white. I wear black because I’m a widow and remaining that way. Have been for twenty something years! Praise God! So far, so good. Pink is for fashionistas. I have no idea if veils come in neon colors, but it might prove interesting if they did.

Glenda

 

[Oneofthewomen]

I’m wondering how some who think women aught not veil at all for Church feel about Sisters who routinely cover their heads and wear all sorts of veils. I mean, if they are so much against the rest of us wearing veils in Church, do they think that all Sisters too aught rid themselves of their veils as well? Or do they feel that the Orders that remain who still veil are some how out of step with the current norms in the Church? So, what’s up with that and how does this thread’s question relate to them?

Just curious how this effects women who would prefer no woman wears a veil to Church.

Glenda

I don’t know anyone, woman or otherwise, who has ever said women “aught not to” wear a head-covering.
To be honest, I really don’t care- wear a veil, wear a hat, a scarf or a headband, just do not tell me that I am “less” reverent, pious or serious about my faith because I don’t.

As far as the good sisters are concerned, if veils are part of their habit, what concern is it of mine?

 

[pianistclare]

I’m wondering how some who think women aught not veil at all for Church feel about Sisters who routinely cover their heads and wear all sorts of veils. I mean, if they are so much against the rest of us wearing veils in Church, do they think that all Sisters too aught rid themselves of their veils as well? Or do they feel that the Orders that remain who still veil are some how out of step with the current norms in the Church? So, what’s up with that and how does this thread’s question relate to them?

Just curious how this effects women who would prefer no woman wears a veil to Church.

Glenda

The Sisters head covering is part of their habit for the most orders. Wimples, etc.
It’s part of their garb. Orders need not concern themselves with fashion or popular opinion. That’s the whole point of their habit. To set themselves apart form this world.
IT’s a totally different issue, don’t you think?
Priests wear collars. Laypersons don’t.

 

[glendab]

Hello Pianistclare and the other gals who responded.

The Sisters head covering is part of their habit for the most orders. Wimples, etc.
It’s part of their garb. Orders need not concern themselves with fashion or popular opinion. That’s the whole point of their habit. To set themselves apart form this world.
IT’s a totally different issue, don’t you think?
Priests wear collars. Laypersons don’t.

I was specifically addressing those women who look down on us who do veil and generally think we shouldn’t because it harms the faith of others supposedly and for other reasons. It is their opinions I’m after.

And as I said, I wear one that is black because I am a widow and this is a traditional thing directly related to my permanent state in life; I am remaining a widow and am consecrated to this purpose, something else that seems to have been forgotten about or simply left to wither off the Vine these days. My black mantilla is for a reason beyond a mere fashion statement and isn’t worn as was suggested elsewhere “because Jackie did.”

Glenda

 

[maryjk]

I’m wondering how some who think women aught not veil at all for Church feel about Sisters who routinely cover their heads and wear all sorts of veils. I mean, if they are so much against the rest of us wearing veils in Church, do they think that all Sisters too aught rid themselves of their veils as well? Or do they feel that the Orders that remain who still veil are some how out of step with the current norms in the Church? So, what’s up with that and how does this thread’s question relate to them?

Just curious how this effects women who would prefer no woman wears a veil to Church.

Glenda

I know of no one that thinks that no one should wear a head covering. In fact, I can’t find a single poster that has indicated that. Could you please show me one?

I don’t know anyone, woman or otherwise, who has ever said women “aught not to” wear a head-covering.
To be honest, I really don’t care- wear a veil, wear a hat, a scarf or a headband, just do not tell me that I am “less” reverent, pious or serious about my faith because I don’t.

As far as the good sisters are concerned, if veils are part of their habit, what concern is it of mine?

Exactly, Oneofthewomen, I don’t care what others put on their head. I just wish they would afford me the same feeling.

Instead I am called less reverent, pious or modest.

 

[pianistclare]

Hello Pianistclare and the other gals who responded.

I was specifically addressing those women who look down on us who do veil and generally think we shouldn’t because it harms the faith of others supposedly and for other reasons. It is their opinions I’m after.

And as I said, I wear one that is black because I am a widow and this is a traditional thing directly related to my permanent state in life; I am remaining a widow and am consecrated to this purpose, something else that seems to have been forgotten about or simply left to wither off the Vine these days. My black mantilla is for a reason beyond a mere fashion statement and isn’t worn as was suggested elsewhere “because Jackie did.”

Glenda

LOL. That Jackie Kennedy thing cracked me up when I saw it too!

 

[glendab]

Hello MJK.

I know of no one that thinks that no one should wear a head covering. In fact, I can’t find a single poster that has indicated that. Could you please show me one?

Exactly, Oneofthewomen, I don’t care what others put on their head. I just wish they would afford me the same feeling.

Instead I am called less reverent, pious or modest.

No one called you anything at all. The word “less” was added so as to twist something I said on another thread by someone else who wanted a fight over this issue. And it remains* as if that is actually what I said.* Please quit accusing me of stating that. * It is a lie. I never said that.* So, please kindly quit saying that I did or I will have to report it.

Glenda

 

[maryjk]

1. It would be wrong of the OP to think she is responsible for hurting anyone by wearing her veil even if she left it on all the way to class that day. A veil doesn’t hurt the faith of anyone. It challenges their lack of piety, modesty and reverence.
   Glenda

Hello MJK.
No one called you anything at all. The word “less” was added so as to twist something I said on another thread by someone else who wanted a fight over this issue. And it remains* as if that is actually what I said.* Please quit accusing me of stating that. * It is a lie. I never said that.* So, please kindly quit saying that I did or I will have to report it.

Glenda

Actually you are correct. You didn’t use the word “less.” I am sorry, I misquoted you.

You instead indicated a “lack” of piety, modesty and reverence. The word “lack” generally indicates an “absence of.”

Oh, and I would love to see the link or quote of someone that indicated that they wanted everyone to stop wearing a head covering.

 

[ProVobis]

I have no idea if veils come in neon colors, but it might prove interesting if they did.

Glenda

It was enough seeing the different hair “coverings” at the televised Royal Wedding. I can understand why some would rather not have any coverings at all than making their kinds of statements there.

 

[glendab]

Hello MJK.

Actually you are correct. You didn’t use the word “less.” I am sorry, I misquoted you.

You instead indicated a “lack” of piety, modesty and reverence. The word “lack” generally indicates an “absence of.”

Oh, and I would love to see the link or quote of someone that indicated that they wanted everyone to stop wearing a head covering.

You are being antagonistic and unless you’d like some genuine debate regarding the topic, I’ll have to decline. This isn’t about fighting, it is about veiling.

What I actually said was that the original gal’s use of a veil was a challenge to the reverence, piety and modesty of those who wanted her unveiled. I never said to anyone I thought they were any of those things directly but I was accused of several things and told I had a “holier than thou” attitude because I said I wore one. I am used to it for it has been a few years that I’ve been wearing it. More than one woman in Church has said rude and insulting things to me or within earshot of me regarding my veil. I’ve been laughed at and made the brunt of jokes, all in Church or even once in an Adoration chapel! So, I’ve grown used to the fact that if I wear one, I’ll have to defend it and myself in future. I’m getting more sensitive through the years and I can pretty much tell when someone is genuinely curious about veiling and when someone wants to start a fight or throw stones. I’m used to both.

Glenda

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Hello Provobis.

White is for virgins that’s why young girls and First Holy Communion are all wearing white and why Brides typically wear white. I wear black because I’m a widow and remaining that way. Have been for twenty something years! Praise God! So far, so good. Pink is for fashionistas. I have no idea if veils come in neon colors, but it might prove interesting if they did.

Glenda

The color of a bride’s dress is not a Church teaching and wasn’t common until Queen Victoria. It does not denote virginity but that it is the bride’s first wedding (Miss Manners). I don’t think that 1st communion dresses are always white nowadays, The boys don’t wear all white and I doubt it denotes their virginity status.

Nor are there any hard and fast rules about the color of a mantilla. I’ve worn my mom’s black and black and gold mantillas; she nor I were widowed. Some places do observe a local tradition but color coded mantillas aren’t a tradition of the church.

 

[LightBound]

Hello MJK.

You are being antagonistic and unless you’d like some genuine debate regarding the topic, I’ll have to decline. This isn’t about fighting, it is about veiling.

What I actually said was that the original gal’s use of a veil was a challenge to the reverence, piety and modesty of those who wanted her unveiled. I never said to anyone I thought they were any of those things directly but I was accused of several things and told I had a “holier than thou” attitude because I said I wore one. I am used to it for it has been a few years that I’ve been wearing it. More than one woman in Church has said rude and insulting things to me or within earshot of me regarding my veil. I’ve been laughed at and made the brunt of jokes, all in Church or even once in an Adoration chapel! So, I’ve grown used to the fact that if I wear one, I’ll have to defend it and myself in future. I’m getting more sensitive through the years and I can pretty much tell when someone is genuinely curious about veiling and when someone wants to start a fight or throw stones. I’m used to both.

Glenda

Glenda please! You are not a victim here. You are the one who chose to state that women who did not veil are lacking in modesty, piety, and reverence. You were doing the bullying, not those who questioned or called you on it. You had plenty of opportunities to apologize or clarify what you said, if you really didn’t mean it, but you chose to argue back and then claim that you were being called names, then leave the thread without so much as a “sorry, I didn’t mean that”, so what are we to think? Probably that you meant every word you said.

There is a difference between name- calling and pointing out someone’s perceived behavior. All of this appears to me to be a classic case of “you can dish it out, but you can’t take it”. I really hope the moderator closes this thread and the other one which you did make disparaging remarks on about women without headcoverings. Perhaps you should stay away from controversial threads if you are going to post an inflammatory comment and then get upset when someone calls you on it.

 

[glendab]

Hello Bruised.

The color of a bride’s dress is not a Church teaching and wasn’t common until Queen Victoria. It does not denote virginity but that it is the bride’s first wedding (Miss Manners). I don’t think that 1st communion dresses are always white nowadays, The boys don’t wear all white and I doubt it denotes their virginity status.

Nor are there any hard and fast rules about the color of a mantilla. I’ve worn my mom’s black and black and gold mantillas; she nor I were widowed. Some places do observe a local tradition but color coded mantillas aren’t a tradition of the church.

Please don’t put words in my mouth that aren’t there. I never said it was “the Church’s Tradition.” Those are your words. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t add to what I say to imply things that aren’t true.

Glenda

 

[Bruised_Reed]

Hello Pianistclare and the other gals who responded.

I was specifically addressing those women who look down on us who do veil and generally think we shouldn’t because it harms the faith of others supposedly and for other reasons. It is their opinions I’m after.

And as I said, I wear one that is black because I am a widow and this is a traditional thing directly related to my permanent state in life; I am remaining a widow and am consecrated to this purpose, something else that seems to have been forgotten about or simply left to wither off the Vine these days. My black mantilla is for a reason beyond a mere fashion statement and isn’t worn as was suggested elsewhere “because Jackie did.”

Glenda

What people are referring to when mentioning Jackie Kennedy and mantillas is that she made the wearing of mantillas more popular instead of hats. She was a style icon, after all.

I also think more women wear mantillas because it’s easier to find a suitable scarf of lace than a hat. Or at least I can lay my hands on a mantilla faster than a hat (unless it’s a knit hat for winter.)