Why Some Catholic Women Veil

 I have a friend who likes to call me a rad trad because I exclusively attend the Traditional Latin Mass at a FSSP parish. I disagree with that statement "rad trad" because, to me at least, most "rad trads" are reactionaries. I do not define myself as a reactionary - I am not here in reaction. I am here because this is how I can worship God in a way that reflects His glory. 

But, I digress.  My friend likes to ask me questions that a "rad trad" might know the answer to. Such as, "what are your opinions on the chapel veil?" 

When I received that text, I hesitated. I was not in the mood to have this conversation today. I have three little kids (5, 3, and almost 2). My 3 year old has dropped her nap, so I have lost my middle of the day moment of peace. I did not want to have this conversation. So I answered, "They are lovely, but I find them impractical with little kids and prefer to wear a snood. Plus, a snood is culturally appropriate for my heritage." 

I knew very well that she wanted a philosophical answer, but I gave her a practical answer with the hope that she would get on tangent - even if for a moment. 

She didn't take my hint, and clarified, "I meant, do you veil as an act of submission?" And, reading her text, I sighed. Six years ago, I would have jumped at the opportunity to share why I veil, but today, I am just trying to survive toddlerhood. I pondered. I paused. I checked my sources. Then, I started my long, long text message answer. 

For context, my friend is a Catholic convert from a fundamentalist Christian background. She knows the New Testament from that perspective well. And, this is not always beneficial because fundamentalist sometimes overlook the literary perspective. Many will look into the niche historical context for areas of dissent in their communities. I am not against interpreting the Bible from a literal perspective when it is appropriate, but I caution here: Our Lord taught in signs and parables and the Faith He gave to the apostles is rich in signs and parables. 

So, my text message answer included most of the following, developed here in paragraph form with the addition of important context, such as the passage from 1 Corinthians, for clarity. 

Often the question of veiling is met with a passage from 1 Corinthians, 11:1-15, from the Knox translation: 

1

 

Follow my example, then, as I follow the example of Christ.

2

 

I must needs praise you for your constant memory of me, for upholding your traditions just as I handed them on to you.

3

 

And here is something you must know. The head to which a wife is united is her husband, just as the head to which every man is united is Christ; so, too, the head to which Christ is united is God.

4

 

And whereas any man who keeps his head covered when he prays or utters prophecy brings shame upon his head,

5

 

a woman brings shame upon her head if she uncovers it to pray or prophesy; she is no better than the woman who has her head shaved.*

6

 

If a woman would go without a veil, why does she not cut her hair short too? If she admits that a woman is disgraced when her hair is cut short or shaved, then let her go veiled.

7

 

A man has no need to veil his head; he is God’s image, the pride of his creation, whereas the wife is the pride of her husband.

8

 

(The woman takes her origin from the man, not the man from the woman;

9

 

and indeed, it was not man that was created for woman’s sake, but woman for man’s.)

10

 

And for that reason the woman ought to have authority over her head, for the angels’ sake.

11

 

(Not that, in the Lord’s service, man has his place apart from woman, or woman hers apart from man;

12

 

if woman takes her origin from man, man equally comes to birth through woman. And indeed all things have their origin in God.)

13

 

Judge for yourselves; is it fitting that a woman should offer prayer to God unveiled?

14

 

Does not nature itself teach you that, whereas it is a disgrace to a man to wear his hair long,

15

 

when a woman grows her hair long, it is an added grace to her? That is because her hair has been given her to take the place of a veil.

*I know that it is popular among some to discredit this admonishment because of the practices of prostitution at the time. We should be careful not to overly rely on such explanations. Addressing specifically this passage, I have heard fundamentalist Christian arguments for and against veiling that focused in on the culture in Corinth. I think it is important to note that St. Paul is talking about how the worship of God, what is know as liturgy, is to be conducted. He is not only speaking about the Corinthians, but of all. 

The passage above is not talking about the relationship between spouses or demeaning the place of women. The passage is talking about divine worship in general. The liturgy, and the faith, is all about signs - remember, the Church celebrates mysteries and sacraments. Veiling is not about submission to the authority of man, but to subdue the glory of man. 

Men are the glory of God. God created man out of his desire to show his Goodness. When man fell from grace, God became Man. The God-Man offered Himself as a sacrificial victim for the remission of sins. The God-Man established the True Faith and divine worship which he passed to men to safeguard. When much is given, much is expected. Men are called to reflect Jesus Christ in this duty and responsibility, even if they are called to lay down their lives. In the liturgy, it is God's glory which is being acknowledged. 

Woman was created for man. Woman is the most precious reflection of man, though having souls sharing in the image and likeness of God. Woman is the glory of man; man is the glory of God. All women are called to be physically or spiritually brides. They were created as brides, and fulfill their nature as brides. Veiling does twofold: 1) it subdues the glory of man; while, 2) serving as a reminder of the relationship between God and the Church, the Bridegroom and the Bride, and the communion of the soul with God. 

It should be noted that the “rules” for veiling is that women and girls should be veiled in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, regardless of if there is/will be Mass. This has very little to do with being submissive to a man or under the authority of a man. It has more to do with the visual of Christ as the Bridegroom. 

But, also:

-There are thousands of years of recorded history across cultures especially related to worship, even pagan women veiled
-A practice in modesty and humility as these virtues are defined by the Church (not colloquial usage). That is related to your state in life and focused toward God (rather than man). 
-Veiling is part of the larger liturgical tradition of the Church for 2000+ years. Other things, aside from women, are also veiled during the liturgy. 
-Veiling, like MANY other things in the Catholic tradition, is more about an outward sign of a spiritual reality or internal disposition.
-Veiling also recognizes that men and women are different by supernatural design, and we have different roles, challenges, and opportunities for merit. 
-Some contemplative nuns use veils as a way to reduce distractions. They wear veils to create their own little world where they can pray without something distracting them from just beyond their field of vision. This is not as practical for mothers. 

And a fun bonus:

-If you haven’t gotten a chance to do your hair because you just got a bazillion people ready for church, a hat or scarf or something is a life saver.