Catholic Women Veiling 101
Explaining The Devotion To Children
The devotion of Catholic women veiling is seeing a definite upswing throughout the country. This is evidenced by first time sales by veiling companies as well as the rapid growth of veiling groups in social media. One such group to which I belong, has seen its numbers grow to almost 2,500 actively participating members. Lively discussions, education, and camaraderie are seen on a daily hourly basis. Recently, one of the ladies posed a question:
I’m thinking my daughter and I will wear full veils this weekend. Any tips on veil apologetics for a 6 year old?
Teaching Children About Catholic Women Veiling
Her question was the perfect catalyst to set me into action. I wanted to include young men in the discussion because they should also be made aware. After all, we are training them to respect women and their special place in God’s plan. This may be an evolving list, but here are five ideas I can readily share:
Catholic Women Veiling 101
- Women are very special in the eyes of God. He made them to nurture new life and to be the complimentary (different, yet equally important) partner to men. The most special woman ever born was Mary, the Mother of God. God asked something very difficult from her – he wanted her to be the mother of His Son, Jesus. When she said ‘yes’ to Him, she showed us how we should react when we are asked to do something for God. If you look at pictures or statues of Mary, you will see that she has her head covered with a veil. One of the ways we can try to be like her is to do the same. Saying ‘yes’ to God, no matter what He asks, and showing that we understand He created us in a special way by wearing a veil, are two ways we can honor Him.
- Since women and girls are special and want to honor God, they should show respect when they go to His house. When we go to an important place or have a special occasion in our lives, we dress a certain way. We wear our very best on Easter, Christmas, birthdays, and weddings. When we go to God’s house (church), we are certainly going somewhere very important! That’s why we should do our very best to give honor to God by looking our best. In addition to wearing their best clothing, women and girls can also show Him how much they love Him and His mother by wearing a veil.
Acknowledging Reverence and Beauty
- Notice things in the church itself. You will see that the altars are decorated with flowers and candles. We have beautiful statues and Stations of the Cross. We also see that holy things are often covered. During Holy Week, the statues and crucifix are covered with a veil. The Eucharist, which is Jesus Himself, is also covered when not being given to the people during Holy Communion. Even the tabernacle has a veil behind its doors – to show how special the Contents are. As the beautiful flowers in God’s garden, women and girls can put on a veil to show that they know they are His.
- Wearing a veil can also be a big help when we are trying very hard to concentrate during Mass. Do you ever notice that sometimes you feel distracted and start daydreaming during Mass? Maybe someone beside you is fidgeting or maybe there is something else going on that keeps you from your prayers. Wearing a veil can keep you on track – just like using Rosary beads to pray can keep you focused on what you’re supposed to be doing.
- Wearing a veil whenever you’re in church is a way to show what’s going on inside (your thoughts, prayers, and love of God), on the outside. The priest wears his vestments to show us that he is acting in the person of Christ during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Married people wear a wedding ring to show that they belong to each other. Religious sisters and nuns wear habits to show that they have given their lives to Jesus. Wearing a veil shows that a woman or girl belongs to God. It helps others see that they are serious about doing what God wants them to do.
Hello! Thank- you for sharing this. I would love to share this with my CCD class & Parish. Does this come in a printed brochure/card? If not, may I have your permission to print it & give it to Catholic parents , families ( if my Parish Priest will allow this) ? I love wearing the mantilla/ veil . I have been wearing it for 12 years. It is a beautiful devotion. It reminds me of His true presence & the gift of my feminity from Our Lord. I was a bit anxious wearing it at first , i was the only one. Then I ask the Lord for courage & deep humility . Jesus, I trust in you! 🙂 now I have seen more women in our Parish veiling during the Holy Mass. I hope more girls will , too. Ave Maria! God Bless you for your ministry !
So glad that you found this helpful. Yes, I give you permission to print and share. Please make sure it has my name and the web address on the page. That is my only requirement.
I’m the only one who wears a veil, unless my daughter comes. Maybe I will take your example and ask my priest if I can share with my parish. I know they probably wonder why I practice this devotion. We started over 4 years ago from the prompting of the Holy Spirit. You can find more of my articles about veiling throughout the pages of this blog.
This is a fantastic article. I fell away from the Church a few years ago and have only recently come back. Veiling was something I felt called to do despite being the only woman who does it in my rural parish. This article explains everything I feel about why I veil. Thank you so much.
First I’d like to say ‘welcome back’! So happy you found your way. Yes, veiling is a call that is persistent for some women – myself and adult daughter included. We are usually the only ones to veil, no matter which parish we attend within our diocese. After seven years, I think everyone is just used to seeing us. In any case, I’m happy to have made the decision and haven’t regretted it. The spiritual benefits far outweigh my inclination to dislike being noticed. To God the glory!
About a year ago, I heard the Lord speak to my heart. “Go back to church.” (I did.) Then a few months ago, I heard the same voice say “Start praying your rosary again.” (I did.) And then a few weeks ago, I heard the same voice. “Cover your head.” (I did.) This past weekend was my first time wearing a veil since my childhood. I am the only one at present in our church who veils. I must admit, I was scared to death. But then I realized, it was the fear of what others think of me, not what GOD thinks of me. I felt closer to Blessed Mother ad to Jesus in church this week and realized that what THEY think of me is all that matters. I’m planning to veil until I return home to Jesus. Peace be with you all. <3