Jubilee Year of Hope

You might have seen another woman veiling at Mass.

 

Maybe it struck you as beautiful. Something stirred in your heart. 

 

Or you wondered why. 

 

You might have even felt a desire to veil, too, but thought you are not worthy. Or, what will people think of me?

 

Whether you are new to veiling at Mass or used to do it when you were young, rest assured that you are not alone.

 

Countless women around the world have discovered this beautiful tradition.

 

 

This year, we invite you to experience:


•   A greater understanding of your dignity in the eyes of God


•   A renewed sense of the sacred in His Eucharistic presence


•   Deeper connection to our Blessed Mother and the saints

 

•   Less concern with the opinions of others

 

For 2000 years, Catholic women have worn some kind of head covering in Church. Though the particular reasons for doing so have varied (for example, modesty in the time of St. Paul), this practice has always focused on the transcendence of the place - the church, the very dwelling of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Having been given this magnificent Gift by Jesus himself, every Catholic church holds something not found anywhere else: the true, living presence of our Bridegroom, hidden under the appearance of bread and wine.

 

"The veil is a visual sermon, ... a public proclamation before the Lord that He IS the Lord and that we love Him and that we are ready to obey him. It's a totally counter-cultural statement proclaiming obedience in the midst of a culture that is totally permeated with this attitude of 'I will not serve.'"

 

The veil is a sign of the great dignity inherent to a woman, who has the potential to receive life within herself... both human life and the supernatural life of God. This is an important message the world needs to hear, now more than ever!

 

 

Didn't Vatican II Do Away With Veils?

 

Despite what you might have heard, the Second Vatican Council did not do away with veils. The mandatory requirement that women should veil was removed from the Code of Canon Law in 1983 but it remains a beautiful tradition all women are free to practice. 

 

Is This Biblical?

 

Yes! In 1 Corinthians 11:3-16, St. Paul says that women's heads ought to be covered "because of the angels." He says that hair is a woman's glory, so covering it is a way of giving glory to God instead. 

 

Where can I find more information? 

 

Visit our FAQ page here. Or browse the articles below. 

 


Jubilee Year of Hope 2025

A Special Announcement from Lily Wilson

January 29, 2025

Dear Friends of Veils by Lily:

I am happy to announce the Veils by Lily International Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to young women around the world who feel called to embrace the practice of veiling in Church, during private prayer, and in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. It is through the devotion of the next generation that this beautiful tradition will live on.

My journey with Veils by Lily began shortly after attending a retreat where I received baptism in the Holy Spirit. A few months later, I was inspired to start creating beautiful hand-crafted veils Catholic women would want to wear. 

I believe the practice of veiling is a gift of the Holy Spirit, as throughout the history of the Church it has been associated with humility, reverence, and prayer.

This scholarship is especially close to my heart because of my own journey as a Catholic immigrant. I came to the United States in 2001 from Japan to study at Washington University in St. Louis. Originally from Chile, my experiences living abroad have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities faced by students pursuing education in a different country.

Important Scholarship Information:

  • Eligibility: The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors (or homeschool equivalent) who are US citizens or permanent residents and plan to pursue higher education. Applicants must be able to receive funds in US dollars.
  • Application Deadline: March 15, 2025.
  • Award Amount: $500
  • Winner Announcement: by Wednesday, April 30th, 2025.

To apply, students should send a cover letter and 500-word essay to scholarship@veilsbylily.com or via USPS to:

Veils by Lily Scholarship
PO Box 12
Kimmswick, MO 63053
 

Essay prompts (choose one):

1. Tell us about the ways in which you have helped others and/or served your community. Which experience enriched your faith the most, and why?
 
2. Tell us about the ways in which you serve as a leader in your family, school and/or parish. How would a Veils by Lily scholarship enable you to have greater impact on others?
 

Thank you so much for being a part of the Veils by Lily family!

In Christ,

 

Lily Wilson

Founder and President, Veils by Lily, Inc.

Catholic wife and mom of 7