In the TLM communities I know, in Switzerland and in Germany, no more than 10% of women wear a veil. I heard that in French and Italian TLM communities, wearing the veil is still common today. However, almost all women wear skirts, even in Switzerland.
The attention wears off quickly. Haha I had discerned my motives for a long time with my spiritual director., before veiling. Anything above the norm in reverence is mocked these days. Even a pronounced bow etc. We are not carbon copies at Mass, we are individual children of God and He calls us all to different devotions. As my spiritual director said, “ If you are not humble when you start veiling, you will become humble.” I have heard many comments over the years, some negative and some positive. I keep my eyes on what He is asking from me. Hopefully, the little distraction on my head points to the reason behind it. Funny how modesty is distracting now
I just really struggle with people judging motives of others regarding veiling. I think it’s good to examine our hearts, why do we look at things with critical spirit, instead of seeing a good desire in the person? We really have no idea what drew another to the veil. But I rejoice that it may not be for me, but perhaps in some way it’s helping that person draw closer to God.
I agree, I don't believe it causes any harm at all. I do believe it becomes a problem when judgement is passed upon a woman who chooses this personal devotion. I cannot understand why wearing a veil at Mass would possibly disturb anyone's peace. Our Holy Mother has always appeared wearing a veil, and I am certain that She would never criticize a woman who chooses to respect and imitate Her tradition. As far as causing a distraction, well I've seen some crazy looking hats at Mass that cause more of a distraction than a pretty lace veil.
Theology aside, evaluating influence on me as (an elderly) male, the veil is a sign of devotion/respect and inspires same. One young lady, a true believer in behaviour and modest dress, has an amazing head of long hair, indeed, her 'crowning glory'. I find her hair as distracting as backless dresses and, sometimes, bare shoulders. I thank God when she wears her hair 'up' in a bun. She does not wear a veil, as her mother does, but having hair 'up' is fine. We also have some occasional visiting ladies who wear head coverings revealing no hair. They evoke immediate respect, giving the impression of some 'third order' group of devotees. It enhances their beauty (!) but inspires, rather than, being 'distracting'. I have learned, beyond doubt, that only God can judge. But, as humans, externals evoke a response. In short, head-coverings in women, enhance devotion, as much as kneeling for Communion. There is no better way to inspire devotion than our example in behaviour and dress!
To me, we veil what is sacred, precious, and to be respected with dignity, like the tabernacle once was in Catholic Churches. I remember when younger, older women in Ireland didn't so much wear an actual veil to mass, but headscarf’s. In fact, some of the old ladies in our town, I never seen without their headscarf on ever. It was a permanent fixture on them. I visited the Synagogue in Budapest a few years back, tourists were allowed to take a tour and wander around, but it was on the strict condition men (Jews and Non Jews alike) kept their heads covered, and women did not! I remember walking in and automatically removing my cap, and the usher excitedly gesturing to me to put it back on! Men could wear any hat they liked, even a baseball cap as long as they kept their head covered in the Synagogue. If you didn't have a hat or cap a Yamakle was loaned to you for the duration of your visit. It was very interesting and my first time in a proper Synagogue. I was so struck with how many similarities there was to a layout in a Catholic Church. Men and women having their own designated sides etc. The ornate scrolls of the Hebrew Bible, kept in a large tabernacle like structure at the centre rear of the raised "sanctuary" area. It felt different, yet all strangely familiar and fascinating at the same time, much more so that many Protestant Churches I've been in.
