The Advent Veiling Mission 2015

The Advent Veiling Mission 2015

Happy Advent! Here we are, at the start of the Church year - a beautiful time of year to reflect on many things as we prepare for the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.

Why an Advent Veiling Mission? Several reasons!

First, the beginning of a new year is a great opportunity for us to reflect on the past year and what changes we may want to make for the next. The Church, in its wisdom, gives us Advent in order to reflect on this and make preparations. So many people want to jump straight into Christmas - why the hurry? Christmas will be here very soon - so let's prepare!

Second, I believe that the angels and saints are always trying to lead us to Christ. Sometimes it's a gentle nudge, but other times not so gentle! For me, veiling falls into the gentle nudge category. Six years ago I started thinking about veiling. I tried to make it go away by not thinking about it, but the thought kept returning - over and over! That is one of the ways you know it's a nudge from above - it doesn't change your world in a flash but it's there, constantly, until you give in to it. Are you perhaps being led to veiling?

Third, Advent can be a time of renewal. Think about those who lived before Christ was born - they had the hope of a savior who would deliver them from Hell. The anticipation they must have felt, and for those alive when Christ was born - what joy, what gratitude! We must put ourselves in their shoes and experience that same anticipation, joy and gratitude. 

My hope is that throughout this Advent, we can all walk together toward the birth of our Savior and find or renew the reasons we veil in His presence.

Today's Reading - Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - First Sunday of Advent

The Coming of the Son of Man.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
26 People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
Exhortation to Be Vigilant.
34 “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise
35 like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.
36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
-Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

It's interesting that the Church year begins with a reading about the second coming of Christ. Let's think about that for a minute - are you ready? Are you perhaps a bit scared? Jesus tells us that "people will die of fright".  But - remember Pope John Paul II's first words as Pope? "Be not afraid". Those are the same words the angel Gabriel said to Mary. Christians are a people of hope - and our hope is found in Christ. 

But, how do we conquer that fear? By getting and remaining close to Christ and His mother, Mary. How long has it been since you went to confession? How is your prayer life? It's no secret that we live in troubling times. Why, then, wouldn't we strive to get closer to Christ? And why wouldn't we ask His mother to help us get there?

Let's also note that the second part of today's reading is an exhortation to be vigilant. What do we make of this? Jesus is telling us that we will all at one time get caught up in the things of this world. He tells us to to fight that tendency so that His second coming doesn't catch us by surprise. And then the exhortation to always pay attention to what's going on and - important - prepare through prayer to withstand the tribulations.

In conclusion, Christ is telling us what we really already know - there are many scary things going on in this world and Christ is our only salvation. We have to stay away from the temptations of this world and look to Him for help. What a perfect message for this Advent season!

Click to join us on the Advent Veiling Mission 2015!

Colors, Colors Everywhere!

+JMJ+

The Spanish Medallion

As we begin our Advent season, I've been blessed to participate in The Advent Veiling Project (#ProjectVeil). Three Catholic bloggers have united to promote this devotion and five veil companies (including Silver Hill Treasures) are sponsoring veil giveaways. Silver Hill will be giving away one authentic Spanish Medallion mantilla (pictured above) in a color chosen by the winner from our available inventory. Learn more about #ProjectVeil here.

The French Fleur de Lis in Peach

There's even a Facebook page for the project, and just the other day one of the group members asked about wearing veils in colors other than the traditional black, white and beige. Is there a right or wrong color? How do you know what color to wear, and when to wear it? 

What's the right color?
In a nutshell, the right color for you is whatever color you feel comfortable in! There was a time when it was expected that single women wore white or beige veils, and married women wore black. Now that veiling is making a comeback, there really are no "rules" as far as color.  Which, of course, leaves it up to us to decide. And I don't know about you, but for me - I see so many pretty colors that it's at times overwhelming! So let's start with the neutral colors.

The Neutrals

Neutrals are always a good choice.  They match well with any outfit, and are classic and traditional. You can't go wrong with a veil in black, white, beige (ecru, ivory), navy, brown, gray and even light peach. 

French Fleur de Lis in White

French Fleur de Lis in Brown

I truly believe that a neutral is the best choice for a first veil.  Why? You can get used to wearing a veil without the added concern of matching. Some of the neutrals can also be worn seasonally (for example, peach for Easter). A neutral veil is the "little black dress" of veils!

French Fleur de Lis in Black

Following the Liturgical Seasons or the Four Seasons
Many women choose to follow the Liturgical seasons, matching their veil color to the priest's vestments or to the colors commonly associated with that season. Some colors can double as  Advent, Lent and Easter veils (purples and pinks). 

Other ladies choose to follow the four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Here are a few examples:

For Advent, Lent or Easter:

Spanish Medallion in Turquoise/Black

Spanish Medallion in Violet

     

Spanish Medallion in Rose      

Spanish Rectangle in Purple                

For Christmas or Winter:

Spanish Medallion in Gold/Black

The Spanish Luciana in Beige 

with Metallic Accents

Spanish Medallion in Silver/Black

For Spring, Summer and Fall:

French Fleur de Lis in Green

Spanish Bouquet in Garnet

Spanish Medallion in Green/Black

Spanish Medallion in Copper/Black

Honoring Mary

The color blue is associated with the Virgin Mary, and some women choose to wear blue to honor her, especially on Marian days. Blue veils also double as neutral (navy), Easter (pastel blues), and summer veils!

Spanish Bouquet in Madonna Blue

Spanish Medallion in Sky Blue

Spanish Angelina in Blue

Where to Start
If you are new to veiling, I suggest you choose a neutral veil for your first one. Wear it around the house until you feel comfortable with it on your head. Then wear it to Adoration, and finally to Mass!

When you are ready to take the color leap, start wearing a different color veil at the beginning of a new liturgical season.  The Advent Veiling Project is a great example of this. Having a friend to do this with also makes it easier, so ask around. You'll be surprised how having a "partner in crime" makes it fun, too!

French Rose Basket in Gray

At the end of the day, it's all about preference. Wear the veil that you feel comfortable in. Don't push yourself to wear a new color if truly you are at ease in your black or beige veil.

I'll leave you with this beautiful image that my friend Betty shared: a priest was once asked what he thought of veils in different colors, and he said he loved turning to look at the congregation and seeing all the lovely colors. It made him think of the garden of heaven.

Pax Deum.