I will always remember the first time I veiled for a Latin mass in 2020. It was a humbling experience that sparked my curiosity about the tradition of women covering their heads during mass. As I delved deeper into the practice of Catholic veiling, I grew to admire the beauty and significance behind this sacred tradition.

Two years later, after further discovery and debating if I could veil, I finally bought my first veil. I remember the number of times I donned my veil before leaving for mass with my parents, staring at myself in the mirror, before taking it off and exiting my room. The one time I finally did walk out my room wearing my veil, my dad looked at me like I had grown two heads and my mother started saying ‘how it is so showy,’ ‘why am I suddenly so religious for church and not other aspects of life?’, ‘what will people think?’ So off it came again. I must admit their concerns caused me to doubt why I wanted to veil and if I was just doing it as a new fashion trend, or to draw attention to myself. 

After getting married later that year, my husband and I attended a Latin mass together when we were out of town. Once again I wore a veil, and once again I was filled with a sense of reverence and peace. I expressed my desire of wanting to veil at mass at our local parish, to my husband, however my parents’ concerns also echoed in my mind. I recall my husband’s encouragement to give it a try but he emphasised on it being solely my decision to veil or not, as I felt comfortable. Due to his understanding and support, I was finally able to begin veiling at our local parish, a Novus Ordo mass, a few months later.

Just a side note, I am a very anxious person – I get nervous and worried very easily and prefer to avoid confrontation at all costs (I might delve more into this in a future post). So you can imagine the anxiety I had, veiling for the first time, at a parish I have attended for the last 15+ years. I vaguely recall telling my parents prior to that mass, that I was going to be wearing a veil and that it was my decision. 

Almost two years since I began veiling now, and I have only had one negative reaction. Veiling for me, is a physical representation of me surrendering to His will, to listen and obey. It is a reminder of my role as a daughter of God, as a wife and now a mother. If you’re considering veiling, I encourage you to take the leap. It may be daunting, it may not be for you, but from my experience, I found this simple act of devotion made some big changes in my life.

“The veil is the symbol of the heart, and the heart is the symbol of love.”

St John Chrysostom