Wearing A Veil In The Presence Of God

[dominicansoul]

I veil at Mass but not when I go to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.  What is the proper times to wear a veil?  I thought it was only at Mass?  Someone told me that if I wear a veil to Mass, I am supposed to veil every time I walk into the  Church, even if it is only for a few minutes to pray.  

[cappie]

I veil at Mass but not when I go to pray before the Blessed Sacrament.  What is the proper times to wear a veil?  I thought it was only at Mass?  Someone told me that if I wear a veil to Mass, I am supposed to veil every time I walk into the  Church, even if it is only for a few minutes to pray.  

 

The chapel veil or mantilla is not used as often today as in the past, aside from Masses in the Extraordinary Form, although they are also worn at Mass in the Ordinary Form as well. The Second Vatican Council is seen as the time when chapel veils fell out of use. However, Vatican II did not remove or alter the requirement of women wearing veils to Mass. Rather, the practice had been dwindling prior to Vatican II. In the 1983 revision of the Code of Canon Law, the subject of wearing veils was completely left out. In recent years, however, many women have sought to return to the practice of wearing a chapel veil or mantilla. It remains an outward sign of modesty, reverence, and a willingness to accept God’s will. So it is a good practice.

 

Your desire to show respect for our Lord and to follow his Church pleases God and is something he will reward.

The Church does not judge it necessary for you to wear a head covering in the presence of the Eucharist, but in answer to the question posed, I reason this way,  chapel veils are more than mere head coverings for women, and should be worn with intention, not only as a routine. Chapel veils – lace veils, commonly black or white, which can vary in size and shape – are worn by women when entering a church, or anytime in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.