Actress Turned Nun

Theology of the Chapel Veil

Found this here. A short and simple explanation on veiling:

Even before the second half of the 20^th century, which is when chapel veils sharply dropped in popularity, many women wore chapel veils simply because it was tradition, without understanding why it was tradition. However, traditions are not formed arbitrarily.

First, for a woman to veil herself when attending Mass or participating in Eucharistic Adoration is an act of modesty. In doing so she shows that she understands the role of woman in God’s plan. Covering her hair does not mean a woman is ashamed of her feminine beauty, but that she is covering her physical glory so that God may be glorified instead. She shows her reverence for and surrender to God’s will by doing so. It is also a way of imitating Mary, our role model for chastity and purity.

Furthermore, it is a testament to the role of woman as a life-bearing vessel. The chalice which holds the Blood is veiled until the offertory, and the tabernacle veiled between Masses. The chalice and the tabernacle hold the Eucharist, they contain Life itself. Similarly, woman was created with the privilege of bearing human life.