Joshua Bennett
The practice of wearing head coverings and veils for religious purposes is common across several religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In the Catholic Church, veils are part of the habit worn by some orders of nuns or religious sisters. The style of the veil depends on the religious order, with some being elaborate and covering the entire head, while others are pinned to the hair. While the practice of wearing head coverings has declined in the Catholic Church, it is still a norm in some regions, such as Syria and Korea. Historically, the 1917 Code of Canon Law mandated that women cover their heads in church, but this requirement was gradually ignored and was not included in the 1983 revision of the Code. Today, the practice of wearing head coverings among Catholic women is seen as a personal choice, with some choosing to veil during worship and prayer as a sign of reverence and spiritual submission to God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Requirement for head covering | In the past, it was a requirement for women to cover their heads in church. |
| The 1917 Code of Canon Law mandated this, stating that women "shall have a covered head and be modestly dressed, especially when they approach the table of the Lord." | |
| In the 1983 revision of the Code, the requirement for head coverings was eliminated by not being mentioned. | |
| Today, it is not required but is still practiced by some Catholic women and in certain regions. | |
| Reasoning | The tradition is based on biblical interpretations, such as St. Paul's epistles, which state that a woman's head covering is a sign of spiritual submission to God and her husband. |
| It is also seen as a symbol of reverence and humility. | |
| Exceptions | Bishops and some canons are expected to keep their skullcaps on during certain prayers and may wear mitres while preaching. |
| In the Eastern Orthodox faith, nuns and monks wear veils or cylindrical hats covered with veils. | |
| In the Roman Catholic Church, veils are part of the habit for some orders of nuns or religious sisters, with variations in style and coverage depending on the order. |
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What You'll Learn
- Head coverings are a sacramental that confers grace to the wearer
- Women were required to cover their heads in church per the 1917 Code of Canon Law
- The 1983 Code of Canon Law did not mention the requirement, effectively eliminating it
- The veil is an outward sign of the heart and a symbol of reverence to God's will
- Head coverings are still common in some regions, such as India, Nigeria, and Korea
Head coverings are a sacramental that confers grace to the wearer
Head coverings have been a common practice for women throughout history, with precedent in St. Paul's epistles (1 Cor. 11:2-16). In the Middle Ages, Thomas Aquinas stated that "the woman should wear a covering to show that besides God she is naturally subject to another". This custom was enshrined in Canon 1262.2 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which mandated that women cover their heads in church. However, the 1983 revision of the Code did not reissue this canon, effectively eliminating the requirement for Catholic women to wear head coverings.
Despite the head covering no longer being mandatory, it is still considered a sacramental that confers grace to the wearer. This means that while it is not a sin to go without a head covering, the act of wearing one is believed to bring spiritual blessings and favour from God. In other words, the head covering is seen as a physical manifestation of the wearer's devotion to God and their desire to live according to His will.
For some Christian women, particularly Conservative Anabaptists, the head covering serves as an outward symbol of their faith and allows for evangelism. It is seen as a sign of modesty and honour, with some interpreting Scripture to mean that a woman should be veiled when praying or prophesying, as to do so with an uncovered head brings shame.
In certain countries and churches, the custom of head coverings is still widely practised, especially in Asia and among Syrian Catholics. However, in Western countries, it has generally been abandoned, with women having the choice to wear hats or veils to Mass if they wish. Ultimately, the decision to cover one's head is a personal one, and while it may confer grace, it is not a requirement for Catholic women in modern times.
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Women were required to cover their heads in church per the 1917 Code of Canon Law
The 1917 Code of Canon Law, which was promulgated by Pope Benedict XV, included a requirement for women to cover their heads in church. Specifically, Canon 1262 stated that "women, however, shall have a covered head and be modestly dressed, especially when they approach the table of the Lord." This canon was part of the ancient discipline that encouraged the separation of men and women in church, with men attending Mass with bare heads.
The 1917 Code of Canon Law remained in force until 1983 when it was replaced by a new Code of Canon Law promulgated by Pope John Paul II. The new code specifically abrogated, or replaced, the 1917 code, and notably, it did not include an equivalent canon regarding head coverings for women. While the current law does not explicitly prohibit women from covering their heads in church, it is silent on the issue, leaving it to the discretion of individual parishes or dioceses.
The change in the Code of Canon Law reflects the evolving nature of the Church's laws and the influence of the Second Vatican Council. The removal of the requirement for women to cover their heads in church can be attributed to the principle of subsidiarity, which holds that matters should be handled by lower authorities, such as diocesan bishops or parish pastors, rather than higher authorities. This shift in canon law allows for more flexibility and local customization within the Church.
It is worth noting that some traditionalists may still choose to follow the 1917 Code of Canon Law and continue the practice of women covering their heads in church. However, by refusing to acknowledge the authority of the Holy Father to change church laws, they may be considered schismatics by some.
Today, the practice of head coverings for women in the Catholic Church is not a canonical requirement. While some Catholic women may choose to wear chapel veils or other head coverings during worship or private prayer, it is a matter of personal choice rather than a mandatory obligation.
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The 1983 Code of Canon Law did not mention the requirement, effectively eliminating it
The practice of wearing head coverings, or veils, has a long history in the Catholic Church. In the Middle Ages, Thomas Aquinas stated that "the man existing under God should not have a covering over his head... but the woman should wear a covering". This view was enshrined in Canon 1262.2 of the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which stated that women must cover their heads "especially when they approach the holy table".
However, the use of head coverings gradually fell into disuse. In the 1970s, a judgment issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, titled Inter Insigniores, indicated that chapel veils were no longer considered mandatory. This trend towards egalitarianism was further reflected in the 1983 revision of the Code of Canon Law, which notably did not include any mention of the requirement for women to cover their heads.
According to Canon 6 of the current code, all subsequent laws that are not reissued in the new code are abrogated. This means that by not reissuing the canon about head veils, the legislator effectively removed the obligation, leaving it as a custom in some places or contexts. The 1983 Code of Canon Law, currently in effect, thus implicitly approves of the trend towards women's emancipation from the requirement to cover their heads in church.
While the practice of veiling is no longer mandatory, it is still observed by some Catholic women, particularly in certain geographical areas and among those of a more traditionalist or conservative mindset. The veil is seen as a symbol of reverence and spiritual submission to God, and an outward sign of obedience to His will. It is also considered a sacramental, conferring grace upon the wearer.
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The veil is an outward sign of the heart and a symbol of reverence to God's will
In the Bible, specifically 1 Corinthians 11:4-16, it is stated that "any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon himself". However, it also mentions that "any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon herself". This passage underscores the importance of head coverings for women during prayer or worship.
Historically, the practice of wearing a veil or head covering was a common custom for Christian women, especially Catholic women. The 1917 Code of Canon Law mandated that "women shall have a covered head and be modestly dressed, especially when they approach the table of the Lord". This requirement was not included in the 1983 revision of the Code, effectively eliminating the obligation. Despite this, many Catholic women continue to wear head coverings during worship and while praying at home.
The veil is seen as a symbol of a woman's submission to God and her husband, as well as a sign of modesty and honor. Anabaptist expositors, such as Daniel Willis, cite Early Church Father John Chrysostom, who provided scriptural reasons for the practice, stating that "being uncovered is always a reproach" and that "she ought to be covered because of the angels".
The veil is also associated with chastity and God's protective plan for a woman's future spouse. This interpretation, known as "The Veil Theory", suggests that God places a spiritual veil over a woman, which only He can lift when the time is right for her to meet her intended partner.
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Head coverings are still common in some regions, such as India, Nigeria, and Korea
Head coverings for Catholic women were mandated in the 1917 Code of Canon Law, which stated:
> "Women, however, shall have a covered head and be modestly dressed, especially when they approach the table of the Lord."
However, the 1983 revision of the Code did not specifically address veiling, effectively eliminating the requirement for Catholic women to cover their heads.
In Nigeria, the use of head coverings by Catholic women is also prevalent. This may be influenced by the country's strong Christian presence, with various denominations practicing head coverings during worship and private prayer.
Korea has also seen a revival of veiling among Catholic women, especially the younger generation. This could be attributed to the influence of early Christian traditions, where manuals like the Didascalia Apostolorum instructed women to wear head coverings during prayer, worship, and when outside the home.
The veil or head covering holds symbolic significance for Catholic women. It represents purity, chastity, modesty, and a sign of authority given by God. The practice of veiling is also practical, freeing women from tending to their hair and allowing them to focus their time and energy elsewhere.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Catholic sisters are not required to cover their heads. While it was previously mandated in the 1917 Code of Canon Law, the 1983 revision of the Code did not include this requirement, effectively eliminating it.
Catholic women previously covered their heads as a sign of spiritual submission to God and their husbands. It was seen as a symbol of humility, modesty, and reverence for God's will.
Yes, there are cultural variations in the practice of head covering among Catholic women. For example, in some regions like Syria and Korea, head covering is still a common practice during Mass. In Nigeria, while it is no longer a requirement, many women continue to cover their heads.
Some Catholic women choose to wear a head covering as a visible sign of their devotion to God and their obedience to His will. It is seen as a way to confer grace and show reverence during worship.
The type of head covering varies among Catholic women. Traditionally, it could range from shawls to veils or chapel veils, also known as mantillas. In some orders of nuns or religious sisters within the Catholic Church, veils are still part of their habit.
