What do you think of Catholic women wearing the Islamic headscarf?

[zaffiroborant]

Before the Second Vatican Council, the wearing of chapel veils was required for a woman when attending Mass, as a symbol of her modesty and humility before God. Although this practice is no longer required, it is still very much supported and encouraged by the Church as a sign of reverence and piety while in the presence of God.

I don’t believe I said anything of the sort.

This is the part I wanted to clarify, by saying “before the Second Vatican Council the wearing of chapel veils was required” you imply that after the Council it wasn’t. If anything it was the 1983 code of canon law that changed things, it dropped the requirement on veiling and the previous canon law only addressed veiling at Mass not women’s everyday lives. There has never been an official requirement for women to live their lives veiled, though some, who don’t understand the difference between tradition and Tradition would insist there has.

 

[LEMAITRE]

I asked my priest about this yesterday after Mass and he said there is no issue with the following at Mass:

1. Mantillas be they lace or not;
2. Head shawl like coverings similar to what some icons of Our Lady depicts;
3. Head coverings that completely cover the hair (similar to hijabs);
4. Hats; or
5. No covering at all on your hair

The only thing he appeared unsure about was niqabs (where only the eyes are showing). He didn’t actually say niqabs are not allowed so I think he was unsure.

 

[LEMAITRE]

This is the part I wanted to clarify, by saying “before the Second Vatican Council the wearing of chapel veils was required” you imply that after the Council it wasn’t. If anything it was the 1983 code of canon law that changed things, it dropped the requirement on veiling and the previous canon law only addressed veiling at Mass not women’s everyday lives. There has never been an official requirement for women to live their lives veiled, though some, who don’t understand the difference between tradition and Tradition would insist there has.

No you implied.

I didn’t mention it at all. If the issue isn’t mentioned, does that mean what you imply or not. Similarly just because the Bible does not specifically mention something does it mean it includes or excludes.

 

[tomarin]

It’s probably equivalent to the once-common habit of men wearing hats when they left the house.

 

[Moro_Rock]

Perhaps this is slightly off topic but the discussion resurrected a memory of mine
from the mists of antiquity. When at the age of 16 I was attending Mass with
my sister who was 17. I was sandwiched between my sister and a young
guy who during the Mass kept peering over in our direction. Eventually, he
couldn’t contain himself any longer and he blurts out to me … she’s
beautiful ! Even at that tender age I was annoyed and shocked at his outburst
During Mass!. This was pre Vatican 2 and we all wore head covering. He
wasn’t deterred !

 

[DaveBj]

Perhaps this is slightly off topic but the discussion resurrected a memory of mine
from the mists of antiquity. When at the age of 16 I was attending Mass with
my sister who was 17. I was sandwiched between my sister and a young
guy who during the Mass kept peering over in our direction. Eventually, he
couldn’t contain himself any longer and he blurts out to me … she’s
beautiful ! Even at that tender age I was annoyed and shocked at his outburst
During Mass!. This was pre Vatican 2 and we all wore head covering. He
wasn’t deterred !

Faint heart never won fair maid.

 

[ComeHome2Rome]

You’re right you have never said you were upset with women who don’t cover themselves. But you are quite pointed in your criticism that women are no longer taught to do so. After this post you continue to insist (with your examples) that women are to cover their heads at all times in their every day lives. You have made a point in numerous posts here and on the other thread that show you believe the leadership of the Church fails to teach this important (to you) guidance on women’s proper dress. You cite the ECF while ignoring the thousands of men who have and still serve as priests, bishops, even popes who have not told women to cover themselves as you believe they should. In doing this you deny the authority of all those men in favor of your hobbyhorse.

You are Lying again about what I’ve said…consider yourself reported.

I also see from some of these other posts that this habit of yours of making false accusations that people “implying” what they have Not implied is no longer limited to my posts.

 

[desert_heart]

I have only posted here a couple times before but I came upon this subject when I was researching when lace veils became the standard as opposed to an opaque veil. I currently wear a long scarf that I drape over one shoulder. I discussed covering with my husband and got into a discussion of why wear lace when you can see through it? I thought it came more from tradition. When people see lace veil they automatically think Catholic. I actually ordered my first veil and it is made from a cotton gauze and is mostly opaque.

I am sure some women wear their scarf tight enough to look like a hijab and one of our priests approaced me and told me I look like a Muslim even though it was very loosely worn. I know several women who cover outside of Mass with a tiechel or snood but I don’t know of anyone wearing a hijab.

I would love to learn more about why the traditional Catholic veil is usually a lace mantilla? I actually like the coverings that resemble more closely the women of Jesus’ time. I know it’s a different culture now but I still am drawn to them.

Many blessings,
Theresa George OCDS

 

[babochka]

Growing up in the eastern US, we wore scarves in the winter mostly or when it was cold. We called them “babushkas”.

In Russia, grandmothers are called babushkas. A scarf is “sharf”. I think in the US, we call them babushkas because the remind us of Eastern European grandmothers.