The tradition of women wearing a chapel veil during Holy Mass has deep roots in Sacred Scripture and the life of the Church. St. Paul addresses the practice in 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, where he encourages the customs observed by the early Christian communities regarding head coverings during public worship.

Throughout much of the Church’s history, women covered their heads in church as an outward sign of reverence, modesty, and respect for the sacred mysteries being celebrated. This practice was later reflected in the 1917 Code of Canon Law (Canon 1262), which required women to wear a head covering while participating in the Sacred Liturgy.

In 1983, when the current Code of Canon Law was promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II, this requirement was intentionally omitted. As a result, wearing a chapel veil is no longer a canonical obligation, but rather a personal devotion freely embraced by many Catholic women.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not specifically address the practice of veiling. However, CCC 1378 reminds the faithful of the profound reverence owed to Our Lord truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist:

“In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by… genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord.”

For many women, the chapel veil serves as a visible expression of this reverence. Much like kneeling, making the Sign of the Cross, or praying before the Blessed Sacrament, veiling can become a meaningful personal devotion that helps foster recollection, humility, and prayer.

Wearing a veil should never be viewed as a measure of holiness or a requirement for participation at Mass. Rather, it is a voluntary act of love and reverence offered to God. Some women choose to veil at every Mass, while others wear one only during Eucharistic Adoration, solemn feast days, or other special occasions. Whether one chooses to veil or not, every Catholic is called to approach the Holy Eucharist with faith, reverence, and devotion.

Choosing a Chapel Veil

Traditionally, many women choose veil colors according to the liturgical season or personal preference.

Purple – Advent and Lent

White or Ivory – Baptisms, Weddings, Easter, Christmas, and other joyful celebrations

Gold or Silver – Solemnities and special feast days

Black – A long-standing traditional choice suitable throughout the liturgical year

Other Colors – Many women also choose colors that complement their attire or reflect a favorite devotion.

Today, chapel veils are available in a beautiful variety of styles, fabrics, and colors, allowing every woman to choose one that reflects both her personal taste and her desire to honor Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

Available Styles

Retro Style

Vintage Style

Sweet Style

French Style

European Style

Spanish Style