The other day, a "passerby" on Facebook posted a very negative message on our page, calling St. Paul "the biggest misogynist ever" and telling us to "stop betraying your own (morally superior) gender" by promoting the veil.
Since I couldn't reply at that particular moment, I asked our wonderful fans to please educate this person. I figured that even if we didn't convince her, we could at least educate anyone else who reads our Facebook page.
Well, at least 26 others and I were blown away by one of the responses. Lauren H. beautifully said the following:
I veil as a sign of my feminist ideals. As a woman I am sacred, a living Tabernacle capable of holding life in Union with my creator, my God.
My veil represents not only my sacredness as a living Tabernacle, but also as an utmost image of the Church's relationship, as a whole, as the bride of Christ. I also wear my veil as an outward sign of my reverence for the Liturgy of the Word (I am a lector and am often called to serve alongside the priests in the celebration of Mass), and the Most Holy Eucharist.
I recognize that while in Mass I am a part of the most beautiful presence of our Lord, and it is out of appreciation of that I choose to veil. I am one of very few women who choose to do this in my parish, since it is not an enforced requirement.
I am 26 with a college education and several years of activism under my belt for various causes that I feel extremely passionate about, including feminist principles. It is entirely up to you, personally, as to whether or not veiling is for you. For me, and many other women, it is a celebration of all that makes up our femininity. Just as the Host is veiled behind the golden enclosure of the Tabernacle door, all that makes me woman, all that makes me sacred by the Grace of God is deserving of the same reverence.
I also recognize the strength and faith to which I am called, as a woman, and in appreciation for all that has been given to me by the blood of Christ Jesus I veil, just as I kneel to receive him, and remain kneeling until the very last crumb of his Sacred Body has left the altar. Veiling is not about submission to man, it is about recognizing the favor I have as a woman (Let us not forget a woman reigns as queen of heaven), and showing my deepest adoration, reverence, and awe that while I am in Mass I am present with the first and only man to whom my knees will bend - the man who bled and died with my name upon his lips, whose death purchased my soul from suffering before I was ever born, and who gives himself to me body and blood every Mass - Christ, our Lord.
I fully support your decision not to veil, but pause to think before you throw a stone. I love Veils by Lily because they make beautiful veils that help me express these feelings and ideals, and they are incredibly affordable. They also often include some very amazing and educational gifts with purchase which have helped me grow in faith.
Finally, just so all my bases are covered, let it be known I was raised protestant and ultimately became a polytheistic pagan due to my disenchantment with the misogynistic ideals taught to me through Southern Baptist churches growing up. I have only been Catholic for the better part of a year, and have come to all of these conclusions of my own accord. I would have been in the same bandwagon with you until I started to really dive deeper. Now, I do not wish to even enter the church without a veil. It's part of how I experience God, and the Eucharist. It's a beautiful tradition that I cannot wait to pass on to my children should they choose to follow. I love myself more, and can now see myself as I am through God's eyes without any hesitation or distortion from the way the world used to make me see myself.
I hope this brings you more understanding, from someone who never does anything without extensive research.
God Bless You, and Keep You Safe.
P.S. Here is another beautifully written review of our Authentic Spanish Simplicity Mantillas (Small).
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