I was asked recently by a family member why I wear a Chapel Veil. I articulated my reasons pretty well, I think, but then I found the most incredible blog post here.
Carrie's first 5 paragraphs are so well written, and applicable to me, that I am just going to quote her directly:
"Hopefully no one reading that title will stop, roll their eyes and think, "Oh no, she's one of those Catholics." If you do, I assure you: it's not like that.
Unless you mean one of "those Catholics" who completely, 100% adheres to every single one of the Church's teachings fiercely and devoutly, and follows and takes part in many of the traditions and devotions of the Church (rosary, brown scapular, Liturgy of the Hours, etc.) -- in that case, yes, I'm proud to admit I'm one of those Catholics.
But if you're thinking of a certain kind of Catholic who is haughty and holier-than-thou, who thinks Vatican II was convened by the devil and that the Chair of Peter is either vacant or they strongly suspect it is, who believes they could give the Pope a lesson or two on how to be trulyCatholic and that every single priest (except those, of course, who are accustomed to saying the Latin Mass) are apostates and the only valid Mass is the Tridentine Mass ... or perhaps you're thinking of the kind that follows and believes every single non-approved apparition of the Blessed Mother, even the ones for which the Bishop has advised extreme caution or even disapproval; they jingle while they walk because they wear medals of every Saint they know around their neck; and they see "signs from God" in the clouds or on trees ... then no, I can assure you I'm not that kind of Catholic.
Then why take part in such an "old-fashioned," Pre-Vatican II custom as wearing a chapel veil?"
I didn't always wear a chapel veil. .... But for me, it is a beautiful (although admittedly seldom seen) devotion that encourages humility and respect for the Blessed Sacrament, and what it all boils down to is this: I feel called to wear one.
That last paragraph says it better that I otherwise could. The bottom line is that "I" feel called to wear one. So does my 12 year old daughter. It is one of the many beautiful devotions open to us as Christians to practice. Just like the Rosary, or Novenas..... Do I feel everyone should wear one? No. Do I feel that I am "more" Catholic or holy than those who do not wear them? No. To be very honest, it is truly a humbling experience because I HATE drawing attention to myself. Wearing a Chapel Veil, for me, is an act of humility before God.
I was told that I should not do it because the Church does not require it. My response to that is that the Church does not require every man to become a priest and every woman to become a nun, but many do, because that is their calling. Neither does the Church require daily Mass or Rosary, but there are many who do those things. As Christian Laypeople we have not the right or the place to demand that others do more than the Church requires. Likewise, we have not the right or place to demand that they refrain from doing things that are not against Church teaching, or get offended when they do those things. The ONLY thing that matters in our quest for Sainthood is God's Will for us, and our willingness to cooperate with His Good and Divine Will. And It looks different for each of us. My path to Sanctity is not the same as any other woman I know. It is mine. It is the path God has set me on, and I pray for the ability to know and follow His Will.
I feel like this is one of the things I am called to do. I have felt this way since 2005, but did not really begin the practice until 2008 - I resisted the call.... Like I said, I hate to draw attention to myself.. I am overweight and self-conscious, and, to be honest, not very fashionable. I do not want to stand out, and I do not want people to look at me. But, it isn't about me. And it is not about anyone else on this Earth. It is about the One who has given me everything that is Good and Holy and Pleasing in my life. I want to answer His call with a "Yes, Lord." I hope for the Grace and strength to always say "Yes!" to whatever He asks.
