"The covering of the head with a veil symbolizes the reality of woman sheltered in the side of her Source and becoming one with Him. She becomes covered and hidden in her Divine Spouse." - St. John Chrysostom

Actively searching for a way to deepen my faith and tap into seldom seen Church traditions, I found myself discerning if I was called to wear a chapel veil during the Holy Mass. One of the most poignant articles of thinking I had found was that the Church veils what they deem important: the tabernacle, the chalice, and the altar; thus a woman veils herself as a sign of reverence for God.
After looking for further details, I found myself watching a video by Father Mike Schmitz and he stated that women say, "It's a great sign of my desire to be clothed in dignity."

Wearing my veil is an outward sign of my inner devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother, as well as a personal reminder to stay within a state of focused prayer while in the real presence of Christ.

I like to think of the veil to be a quiet way to humbly evangelize, as many young girls have approached me wondering the significance of my head covering. Whether it be at my home parish or diocesan events, many girls seem to take an interest in this centuries-old Church tradition. Perhaps as this sacramental is not often seen in post-Vatican II parishes, seeing a young woman wearing one during Mass may invoke questions which lead to conversations and individual research that has prompted a few young women to veil as well.

Furthermore, I have noticed that it is not just my local community that has begun to revitalize the rooted tradition of veiling, but all across the globe young women are beginning to educate themselves and others about the meaning and intentions of participating in this sign of humble devotion to the Divine Presence of Jesus Christ. If you have been thinking about veiling, I urge you to try it. Like me, you may find that wearing one enhances your participation and focus at Mass, acknowledges your femininity within the Church, and you may come to recognize the gift of humbling oneself before God.