I have noticed a slow resurgence of the mantilla/chapel veil in Catholic churches here in my city. I remember, as a young girl in the early 1970’s having to wear a small, round lace kerchief to mass on Sundays. At my elementary Catholic school, part of a girl’s uniform was a foldable hat to be worn to school on mass days.
I don’t remember precisely when we stopped covering our heads for church, but it happened sure enough! I wish that I could find the statement or declaration by the Magisterium that did away with the requirement of women to veil their heads for Mass.
I was able to find some facts about the practice at Fisheaters.com. I think that the mantilla is a beautiful tradition. I have read that there is a whole “movement” among some women to bring back the chapel veil at the same time that the new (old) Roman Missal Translation is instituted.
Do you have an opinion on the subject? Check this out:
Catholic Working Mom 
Honestly, I don’t know much about mantillas, so I appreciate the link. My grandmother had some, and my sisters and I all used one in our wedding bouquets.
I used to wear a mantilla to Mass. I attend the Extraordinary Rite, i.e., the Latin Mass. I stopped wearing the mantilla I think around the time of 9/11. It started to bother me that a woman should cover her head, because it seemed to echo the Islamic law that forces women to be veiled. I just did not feel comfortable with it anymore. Besides,
when the Church mandated women to cover their heads for Mass, all women wore veils as a part of their everyday wardrobe. We see Our Lady veiled, because that was the garb worm at the time. Today we do not wear head coverings. It is not practical to wear them to church. But if someone wants to, go right ahead!
In my country (Europe, 85% Catholics) I have never seen this. Nor in our neigbourhood (most of them Catholic countries too).
My grandmothers, when they were young, wore hats. Veils were too similar to Muslim veils.
Judging from American Catholic scene, wearing mantilla is (predominantly) kind of “I’m better than your” attitude.
It used to be required during the Vatican I, but the Vatican II omitted the part which required women to wear veils. Some people argue that just because it was omitted doesn’t mean you can’t do it anyway. I think the Church recognized women’s rights and are letting them choose.
I personally think it’s a beautiful practice, and still see some elder people do it. I wanna start but I know for sure it would attract negative attention. Oh well…
Part of me wants to also. I hope that it makes a big comeback. I see things turning back to tradition.
I’m a young Canadian woman and I just started veiling at Mass about 2 months ago. I first started with a kerchief and now I wear a mantilla. It wasn’t so welcome at my parish, so I switched to a parish that offered a more traditional High Mass in English, although some parts are sung in Latin. I was having other issues with my former Parish, so it wasn’t too difficult to make the switch. I even veil when I attend daily Low Mass, or when I pray at home. It’s a beautiful tradition and it helps me stay focused. I encourage you to try it if you’re curious – start with a different kind of head covering at first, or attend a weekday Mass and see how comfortable you feel wearing it. Bring a supportive friend.
Good advice, Rebekah. I may try that! Ironically, the mantilla post is one of my most read articles. Evidently, there are lots of people out there who are thinking about it.
Id like to design my own!
I have never thought that anyone wearing a veil was trying to be holier than me. Mostly I wanted to know where she got hers. If it helps a person to worship and pray to the Lord then I think its a great way to go. If pride in ones modest appearance is too pretentious maybe I better start wearing rags. But I dont think it would improve the atmosphere in church. I thought Mass was a celebration of the glory of God.
I say dont overthink it and have a good time with a beautiful tradition of reverence to our Lord. OK lets see some beautiful designs!
Thank you for the feedback! I do think there are websites that sell “modern” mantilla’s with some pretty neat designs! I love to see them coming back!!