© 2024 Victor R, Claveau, MJ
A head covering is simply a symbol of reverence, which recommends itself on very many levels. Can. 1262.2 of the 1917 Code of Canon law said that women must cover their heads “…especially when they approach the holy table”. The 1983 Code is silent about this tradition. However, the 1917 Code of Canon law was never rescinded.
Wearing a hat or veil is an Apostolic custom, as we learn from St. Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth (1 Cor. 11:3-16). He strongly denounces the Christian women at Corinth for presuming to come to church unveiled, accusing them of pride and arrogance unsuited to their sex.
Ladies should only veil in the presence of the Most Holy Eucharist. Veil as you cross the threshold entering the church. Remove as you cross the threshold leaving the church.
In the canon law of the Catholic Church, custom is the repeated and constant performance of certain acts for a defined period of time, which, with the approval of the competent legislator, thereby acquire the force of law.
Wearing a head covering in church is an immemorial custom which takes on the force of law. A later general law contrary to a general custom will nullify the latter, but a particular custom will not be abrogated by a general law, unless a clause to that effect be inserted. Even such a nullifying clause will not be sufficient for the abrogation of immemorial customs. The latter must be mentioned explicitly, for they are held not to be included in any general legal phrase, however sweeping its terms may be.
In other words, as the New Code of Canon Law did not specifically change the immemorial custom of head-coverings in church, the previous 1917 law is still in effect.