Joan of Arc. We are pleased to be able to provide a recording of the conference talks as a free resource. Please consider donating if you are able. Any amount helps us continue this catholic women's conference each year!
Thank you! This is a list of reflections that inspired the conference organizers. We hope you enjoy and feel inspired yourselves. First Reflection β Chapel Veils During a phone conversation just before our last conference in a couple of us organizers mentioned that each of us were thinking about wearing a chapel veil to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the conference. We were both shocked that each of were thinking the same thing and we suggested to all of the organizers to consider doing the same.
It seemed like an inspired idea given the theme of our conference, The Eucharist. Most of us did end up wearing a chapel veil to that Mass and many of us have continued the practice ever since. I always thought that the chapel veils or mantillas were so pretty and remember proudly wearing them to Mass as a child before the practice fell out of fashion.
I was a little disappointed when we no longer were expected to wear a veil or hat to church. As an adult I secretly admired the few women who chose to practice this tradition. To me the mantillas are symbolic of us women as brides veiled out of respect for our groom. I often think of this same symbolism as I hold my hands as if holding my heart as a bouquet in my hands as I approach the priest to receive my Lord and God. Both of these vessels hold the Eucharist β the very life of Christ.
In a similar fashion, the woman was endowed by God with the special gift of bearing new human life. Because of this, women, as all things holy and sacred, are veiled. Paul who promotes the practice of a woman praying with a head covering and most likely where this tradition in the Church originated. Before the liturgical and tradition changes made after Vatican II, hats were more of a norm for American Catholics.
