Mornings with Mary - Wearing a Veil

I was eight years old when I received this statue of Mary from my father.  I don't remember the occasion; perhaps we were moving yet again.  Or, perhaps he was going on deployment or returning from one.  Whatever the occasion, I treasure her.

I started wearing the veil in Mass again this passed January.  I had been reading about the movement toward returning to the veil, especially by young Catholic women.  I was attracted to the idea; I never really understood why it became optional and then just utterly disappeared.

I started wearing the veil again quite by accident.  It started during mission in Missouri and it was so cold in January.  I arrived at Mass in gloves, coat, and at least two scarves, one of which was draped around my head. I left it up that first day and it occurred to me that I liked it.  I felt feminine before the Lord, I felt a connection to his Mother.  I felt a connection, as well, to St. Veronica who, on that terrible last day, as Christ carried His cross to His death, recognized His real presence and gently wiped his face with her scarf.

I also felt a whole lot out of place, like I was shining a light in my direction saying, "Hey, look at me".  Part of me felt like I was a real distraction but part of me very much wanted that veil back, so, I took it.  Since then, I've seen a few other women wearing veils, one most memorably at the Basilica of the International Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.  I notice a very tall and elegant black woman off to my right wearing a beautiful suit and her head wreathed in a lovely veil.  

As it happened, I had occasion to actually say hello to her as we were both near the same side altar after Mass.  We both agreed that the loss of the veil was something to regret.  There is nothing imposing or oppressive about wearing a veil.  Just as a man takes his hat off inside a church/building, a woman may keep hers on.  It was part of what set us apart from each other and yet made us one and complete.

So now, six month on, I'm still wearing my veil and looking for a couple more. I might even make one.  Now, that would be something.