Wearing the veil

[DellaJMJ]

Is there any particular reason as to why women and lady's wear the veil when inside the church?
Is there a specified prayer to be said before the wearing of such a veil?
Can any veil be worn or the veils with our lady on them only?

Thank you for any clarifications.

[Charbel Labban]

Great homily I read a while ago 'On The Fittingness of the Woman's Veil' :
https://www.materdeichurch.org/?page=Homilies/homily040523.htm

[DavidObeid]

The Church has no fixed law at present on women wearing veils. Whilst it is a noble practice, there is no obligation to do it (there is no sin if a woman does not).


Is there any particular reason as to why women and lady's wear the veil when inside the church?

St. Paul discusses this:


2 I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.4 Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head,5 but any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven.6 For if a woman will not veil herself, then she should cut off her hair; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her wear a veil.7 For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.8 (For man was not made from woman, but woman from man.9 Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.)10 That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels.11 (Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman;12 for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God.)13 Judge for yourselves; is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?14 Does not nature itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is degrading to him,15 but if a woman has long hair, it is her pride? For her hair is given to her for a covering.16 If any one is disposed to be contentious, we recognize no other practice, nor do the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:2-16)


Is there a specified prayer to be said before the wearing of such a veil?

I'm not aware of any, it seems from St. Paul's words that the veil is worn for prayer.


Can any veil be worn or the veils with our lady on them only?

Any veil can be worn, but be careful not to cover your face, you aren't meant to give up your identity.

[jzeitouni]

I am not aware of a prayer that needs to be said to wear the veil, but there are certain conditions that a lady should follow when wearing the veil.

For example dressing modestly. There is no point in wearing the veil if you are going to dress immodestly in the church or even outside. There are many websites that have guidelines on how you should dress when you are wearing the veil, and this does not only apply to people who are wearing the veil either, this is how all women should dress to mass and outside of mass. Clothing that women should steer away from are dresses or skirts that are higher than above the knee, tops should sit no less than about 2 or 3 inches from the neck (6-8cm), pants should be avoided (especially tight skinny leg jeans), if you are going to wear those lycra tights they need to be worn with a dress or skirt on top that covers your upper leg and are not to be worn on their own, you should stay away from sheer and skin coloured fabrics, any top or dress worn needs to have sleeves and super skin tight clothing that shows off a figure should not be worn.

One of the purposes of the veil is to maintain the virtue of modesty so if you are wearing a veil and dressing immodestly to church or even in public then that is a big contradiction.

[leannemaree]

colleen Hammond has a great blog and a wonderful book, called 'dressing with dignity'.
Although I was raised a Catholic, I was not raised in the teachings of the church. So I am not sure what that makes me, but anyway.........
I was always reverent and respectful, but
It was not until we began homeschooling that I really took this much more seriously.

This book changed my thoughts and my way of dressing- not that it was immodest, but I now think now of what I am too wear, this doesn't mean I still don't long for some fashion items.
and at times I feel very different- but thats part of God setting us aside.
My dd12 loves frilly skirts, dresses and has even asked to wear a veil. We have discussed this.

Leanne