Do You Veil at Mass?

Pam Spano shares responses to her question on social media about wearing a chapel veil to Mass. 

As a child (and long before my conversion), I would occasionally attend Mass at our local parish. It was the epicenter of the neighborhood. Everyone (not just Catholics) attended the May Crowning, the summer festivals, and Midnight Mass. Midnight Mass was the only way you were allowed to stay out that late! 

Choosing to Veil  

This was also before Vatican II, so there were lots of women who veiled. Fast forward to now and I’m seeing a resurgence in this practice. My own daughter felt the pull to veil.  

On my Being Catholic … Really by Pam Spano page on Facebook, I asked a simple question of the ladies: “Do you veil?” I wasn’t prepared for the many responses. Here are just a few:  

• I do it to remind myself that I'm part of the bride of Christ (the church) and since I'm going to be with the bridegroom I veil because I love Him and I need to come to Him with humility.  
  
  
• I started veiling over 10 years ago. It has made a huge difference to me in my worship life. I find I am more focused on the Mass. There’s a handful that veil at our parish but I never feel awkward. On the contrary, on the rare occasion I have forgotten my veil, I feel naked. Since I can sew, I’ve actually made them in all the liturgical colors as well as one for Marian feasts.
  
  
• As I grew deeper in my faith and belief in the True Presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament I felt called to veil in His presence.
  
  
• Yes … and I love it!  

The Best Reasons to Veil  

 One of my followers posted the best reasons to veil:  

One weekend, as we had friends over, I asked if she wore a veil. She did. So do her daughters. Hmmm ... During our conversation, she sent one of the girls to their car to get me a veil. No one had ever gotten up and handed me a veil. “Hello, God calling, wear the veil!"  

It was a few months before I wore it. I had so many excuses running around my mind:  

• My husband and I had not finished our conversion. 

• I'm a sinner. I'm not worthy. 

• Will people think I'm pious? 

• Will they call me Muslim? (I know ... but you should read the awful articles out there. WOW).  

And then, it hit me: it's not about them. It's not about ME. It's about acknowledging that sacred things are often veiled in our Church. It's about covering my head before Our Lord and humbling myself because He is present in the Eucharist. The other thing was — the ultimate role model — Our Blessed Mother Mary, and my desire to be more like her. I want to say Yes more to God. I want to be more reverent. I want to be humble and obedient.  

What I find beautiful is that so many women who technically do not have to cover their heads are choosing to. It is stunning to me to glance around and see so many veiled women. It makes my heart so full of love and admiration at the Lord's work.  

Reverence and devotion are both words that encompass my "why" for wearing a veil.  

• I veil because I researched it and I feel like there is overwhelming evidence that it is the right thing to do for MY Catholic Faith.  

• I veil because I fell in love with the idea of being more like our Blessed Mother and the blessed women who have come before me, who, by the way all wore veils/head-coverings. 

• I veil because our Lord and Blessed Mary lead me to it. 

• I veil as a sign of love for our Lord and obedience to Him calling me to do so. 

Through this I've learned, I am worthy. I am loved by Our Lord. My relationship is strengthened. When I walk into Mass, I can't help but notice my sisters in Christ who veil or wear head coverings. I'm so happy for them because I know this walk is bringing them closer to our Lord and His Blessed Mother - our Mother Mary! I honor their love for the sacredness of the Eucharist and feel a camaraderie with them. It may sound absurd; I'll give you that. Most of them I do not know personally. But I know we are walking the walk and growing closer to our Lord.” 

Deciding for Yourself  

For me, I don’t feel that pull to veil. It would be more of a distraction for me. I do like to wear religious jewelry. That’s my personal preference to remind me of my faith. I like seeing women veiled just as I like seeing a woman or a man holding a rosary or a prayer book, or wearing a cross or medal around their neck. Seeing those outside tools of faith gives me hope that Catholicism is thriving.  

If you are thinking of veiling, I’m excited for you! And if you choose not to veil, I hope you are blessed in your faith and that you support others who do. 

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Copyright 2025 Pam Spano
Images: iStockPhoto.com, licensed for use by Holy Cross Family Ministries