December 8 & 9: Wear a Veil to Mass

On December 8 & 9, join millions of Catholic women across the ages in devotion to the Real Presence

Why?

For 2000 years, Catholic women have worn some kind of head covering in Church. Though the particular reasons for doing so have varied (for example, modesty, submission to God, etc.), this practice has always focused on the transcendence of the place - the church, the very dwelling of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Having been given this magnficent Gift by Jesus himself, every Catholic church holds something not found anywhere else: the true, living presence of our Savior, hidden under the appearance of bread and wine.

Today, wearing a veil - any kind of covering - is a symbolic gesture that points to the amazing reality of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. As women, we are symbols of the Church - the Bride of Christ - and "the veil is meant to be a visible reminder of the perfect submission of the Church to the loving rule of Christ."

When?

On December 8 & 9, join a global movement to encourage devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, present in every Catholic church. Encourage your friends to join you - you won't be the only one! - and wear the veil anytime you are in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, whether present inside a Catholic church for Mass or simply passing through momentarily.

How?

With any kind of veil, and with the proper interior disposition. Similar to a religious habit, your veil is a public proclamation of your desire to submit to the will of God for your life, and of your commitment to answering the universal call to holiness and continual conversion. Your veil is also a sign of the great dignity inherent to a woman, who has the potential to receive life within herself... both human life and the supernatural life of God.

What about "other people"?

It is natural to be concerned about what other people think. Sure, some may think the veil is an outdated practice with no meaning in today's culture while others may judge us as trying to be holier-than-thou. Love, however, seeks to ornament Love with beauty and to worship in humility. An act of devotion like veiling does both, while drawing to the fore our love of God above all else.

But the Church doesn't require it

Just as the Church does not mandate that every person pray the Rosary, neither does she mandate that every woman wear a veil. This does not mean, however, that either is not a worthy devotion. On the contrary, these devotions are pleasing to God when done out of love for Him.

Where do I start?

Although any type of head covering is suitable, most women choose lace veils. You may browse all ready-to-ship Veils by Lily here. For this campaign, we designed a beautiful lace mantilla - our most affordable yet and available in 11 different colors. See the Starter Veils.

Also available for those interested in a less conspicuous veil is the Small Starter Veil with Ties.

About "Wear a Veil to Mass" Day

"Wear a Veil to Mass" Day is a special day when we especially encourage those women who would like to wear a veil to Mass but who are worried about standing out. The pressure of "being the only one" or "drawing attention" keeps many women from veiling when in reality they long to do so. That's why this day is so important -- we need the encouragement of other women like us!

This day comes at just the perfect time to also honor our Blessed Mother on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. When you add on the fact that Advent is meant to be a penitential season of preparation before Christmas, you can see why many women have found it extremely fruitful to just "go for it" and start veiling on this day.

It all started a few years ago with an idea by Andrea Hines of Charlotte, North Carolina. She and Tina Witt started an apostolate called "Our Lady of the Veil" to encourage women to take up the veil once again and promote the true Christian virtues of obedience, humility, and reverence.

Andrea and Tina thought the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception would be a great time for women who had been considering it to start wearing a veil, so they started promoting it.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this page and by ordering these beautiful, free full-color flyers to promote "Wear a Veil to Mass" Day at your parish.