Veil & 'Official Docs" Question

[karennascargo3]

I’ve been trying to read about exactly what happened that women no longer are required to veil. Several articles I’ve read state that it, after Vatican II, the rule/law was just simply overlooked (rather purposely or inadvertently) and, as a result, was just not mentioned. Others claim it is documented that it is no longer necessary; but optional. So what is the truth?

Also, as a new Catholic, I’m confused and am not sure what ‘official’ Church documentations I should be looking at for answers to questions such as these. I’ve heard people here mention several different ones and I’m even more confused on what is for which questions or explanations. It has never been explained to our RICA class on what is available, what we look at for what, or where we find it. If someone could give me a brief overview, I’d be very grateful.

 

[Joannm]

Women were never required to wear veils. We were required to wear a head covering, which for most of us meant a hat, a beret, a bandana or scarf, or a large bow for kids, or, yes, even a hankie or a tissue in a pinch. I very rarely saw women in mantillas. Maybe a small chapel cap but never these long lacy things people here keep saying we were required to wear. We used to love to shop for hats, the fancier the better. Women used to show off their hats, especially at Easter. So much for head covering representing humility.

 

[1ke]

I’ve been trying to read about exactly what happened that women no longer are required to veil. Several articles I’ve read state that it, after Vatican II, the rule/law was just simply overlooked (rather purposely or inadvertently) and, as a result, was just not mentioned. Others claim it is documented that it is no longer necessary; but optional. So what is the truth?

The truth is that the 1983 Code of Canon Law does not require the wearing of a chapel veil or headcovering for women.

Also, as a new Catholic, I’m confused and am not sure what ‘official’ Church documentations I should be looking at for answers to questions such as these.

Well, that’s a bit tricky, as it depends upon the question. The answer could reside in the Catechism, the Code of Canon Law, or the General Instructions of the Roman Missal (GIRM) depending upon whether the question is doctrinal, juridical, or liturgical. There are other documents as well such as papal documents and documents from the various Vatican congregations.

The best place to start is to learn the basics through the Catechism, and as particular questions come up ask your priest for guidance and for recommended reading.

 

[Spencerian]

I’ve been trying to read about exactly what happened that women no longer are required to veil. Several articles I’ve read state that it, after Vatican II, the rule/law was just simply overlooked (rather purposely or inadvertently) and, as a result, was just not mentioned. Others claim it is documented that it is no longer necessary; but optional. So what is the truth?

Also, as a new Catholic, I’m confused and am not sure what ‘official’ Church documentations I should be looking at for answers to questions such as these. I’ve heard people here mention several different ones and I’m even more confused on what is for which questions or explanations. It has never been explained to our RICA class on what is available, what we look at for what, or where we find it. If someone could give me a brief overview, I’d be very grateful.

Hi.

As of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the requirement of the use of chapel veils appears to have been lifted as there is no mention of the requirement from past canon law.

Does that mean that one should not wear one? Of course not. Wearing a veil is a sign of reverence, before Vatican II and today. But don’t let others convince you that it’s a “better” thing. It’s now a personal devotion from the Church’s viewpoint.

EWTN’s Colin Dovovan gives an extensive essay on the past reasons and requirements of head coverings in church in this article on EWTN’s web site.

 

[puzzleannie]

I’ve been trying to read about exactly what happened that women no longer are required to veil. Several articles I’ve read state that it, after Vatican II, the rule/law was just simply overlooked (rather purposely or inadvertently) and, as a result, was just not mentioned. Others claim it is documented that it is no longer necessary; but optional. So what is the truth?

.

the burden of proof lies upon those who claim to have a church law binding you, me and others. Since they cannot prove a negative, you won’t find it. If you personally are convicted that wearing a headcovering (veil was never mentioned btw) is right for you, do it, and the opinion of others would have no bearing on your own pious practice in any case.