Why I Wear A Veil At Mass (Regardless of Rite)

Disclaimer: I have read many different viewpoints on veiling and this topic, but wanted to share my personal reflection and journey. I hope you find it helpful!

A few months ago I was introduced to the concept of veiling when our parish decided to celebrate the traditional latin Mass once a month. Until then, I never had to wrestle with the question if I had to veil. At first my family and I attended the Mass each month and I came as I normally did, unveiled. But over time I found that as I soaked in the beauty of this rite, I became painfully aware of The Sacred. My heart was moved in a very different way. 

I found myself reflecting on the reality of the Holy Mass- the fact that I was standing in front of the Alpha and the Omega- the God that I would one day meet when I exited from this earthly life. And reflecting upon this reality shook me deeply. I imagined standing before the throne of God. How would I act? I took a brief reflection of my life and my many shortcomings to honour and love Him as I should, and I realised I would bow my head and simply say “Holy, Holy, Holy!”. Simply put, God is God and I am not. He holds me in being and the sun in alignment. Every created thing is a mere shadow of his glory and every moment is His gift to us. And so, from this place of renewed clarity, I decided to veil. 

However, once I was veiling at the traditional latin Mass, I had to reflect again on my participation in the regularly-attended Novus Ordo Mass my family and I went to the other weeks in the month. Would I veil? When I thought about it, I was startled by the simplicity of the answer that came. Why wouldn’t I veil? The same God who is fully present in the Eucharist at the traditional latin Mass is also the same God who is fully present in the Eucharist at the Novus Ordo Mass. And based upon that, I decided that I needed to veil at every Mass, regardless of the rite. 

I do admit that there are a lot fewer people veiling at the Novus Ordo Masses, but I have seen a small number of women start to veil over the past few months. And to be completely honest, I don’t think anyone truly cares that much. We are all going to Mass in great need of Jesus and His grace. 

Each Mass when I put on my veil, it reminds me of who I am in front of and about to worship. It reminds me of my dependance on Him for all things. And finally, it is a small way that I have chosen to honour and love Him.