What Is a Humeral Veil?
A humeral veil is a long, rectangular liturgical vestment worn over the shoulders by a priest or deacon when handling the Blessed Sacrament. The name comes from the Latin humerus (shoulder), because the veil rests on the shoulders and its two ends hang down in front. It is used in the Roman Rite and also in some Anglican and Lutheran churches.
The traditional dimensions are about 2.75 metres long and 90 centimetres wide; the veil is not a cape but a long rectangle with two ends that are brought forward and crossed or held beneath the monstrance. Our veils are typically 250–300 cm long and 50–60 cm wide; the exact measurements are listed on each product page. Two ribbon ties or a clasp near the breast keep the veil in place.
The humeral veil is most often seen at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, when the celebrant wears it over the cope and uses the ends to cover his hands while raising the monstrance. It is also used when the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession, on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and when Viaticum is brought to the sick.
What Is a Humeral Veil Used For?
The veil has one practical purpose and one symbolic purpose. Practically, it protects the sacred vessel from direct contact with the minister's hands. Symbolically, it shows that the blessing comes from Christ present in the Eucharist, not from the priest as a private person. When the priest blesses the people with the monstrance, only his hands are placed under the veil; in other rites the veil may cover the vessel itself.
You will see the humeral veil at:
- Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament — the celebrant wears a cope and the humeral veil, raises the monstrance, and blesses the people.
- Eucharistic processions — including Corpus Christi and the procession after the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday.
- Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament — when the host is carried to the altar of repose or returned to the tabernacle.
- Viaticum — when Communion is brought to the dying outside Mass.
The veil is not worn at every Mass. It belongs to the rites in which the Blessed Sacrament is handled outside the ordinary communion of the faithful. For the procession itself, a processional canopy or baldachin is often used together with the veil.
Who Wears the Humeral Veil?
The humeral veil is worn by the priest or deacon who handles the monstrance or carries the Blessed Sacrament. A bishop may also wear it. In the Solemn Mass of the older Roman Rite, the subdeacon used the veil to hold the paten from the Offertory until after the Pater Noster; this is the origin of many of the historical images of the vestment.
Altar servers do not normally wear a humeral veil. When a server holds the bishop's mitre or crosier, he uses a vimpa — a narrower veil of similar design. The humeral veil is wider and is reserved to the ordained minister who handles the Blessed Sacrament.
Humeral Veil vs Cope vs Vimpa vs Chalice Veil
These vestments are often confused because they are all made of fabric and all appear near the altar. They are not interchangeable:
- Humeral veil — a long rectangle worn over the shoulders; covers the hands or the sacred vessel when the Blessed Sacrament is handled.
- Cope — the full-length outer cloak worn by the celebrant at Benediction and in processions. The humeral veil is worn over the cope. See our Catholic clergy copes.
- Vimpa — a narrower shoulder veil used by altar servers when holding the bishop's mitre or crosier.
- Chalice veil — a square cover placed over the chalice before and after the preparation of the gifts. See our chalice veils.
- Monstrance veil — a decorative cover for the monstrance when it is reserved or carried, not the veil worn by the minister. See our monstrance veils.
- Ciborium veil — a cover for the ciborium containing the consecrated hosts. See our ciborium veils.
If you are preparing a sacristy for Benediction, the usual set is a cope, a humeral veil, a stole, an alb, and the monstrance. Our guide to Benediction vestments explains the full list, and the step-by-step guide to Benediction shows the order of the rite.
What Size Is a Humeral Veil?
A traditional humeral veil is about 2.75 m (110 in) long and 90 cm (35 in) wide. The length allows the two ends to be brought forward over the hands while the middle rests across the back and shoulders. A veil that is too short will not cover the hands comfortably; a veil that is too wide will bunch around the arms.
Our veils run from 250 cm to 300 cm in length and 50 cm to 60 cm in width. The smaller sizes suit a compact monstrance and a smaller celebrant; the larger sizes give more coverage for a heavy monstrance or a cathedral ceremony. Each product page lists the exact length and width, and the reference number often includes the size (for example, 50 × 270 cm).
What Fabrics and Colors Are Used for Humeral Veils?
Historically the humeral veil was made of silk or cloth of gold. In our collection the fabrics are chosen for durability and drape: brocade (36 models), velvet (22), satin (7), damask (3), wool (6) and polyester blends (18). Many models are lined, and some have tassels or a velvet belt. The exact composition is listed on each product page.
The veil normally follows the liturgical color of the day: white or gold for Christmas, Easter and feasts of the Lord; red for Pentecost, Good Friday and martyrs; green for Ordinary Time; violet or purple for Advent and Lent; rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sunday. In the Roman Rite the humeral veil is normally seen in every liturgical color except black; black is associated with the Dominican rite and with funeral use where permitted. We also stock ecru, silver and black veils — check the product description if you need a specific rite or season.
Embroidery, Motifs, and Symbolism
Most humeral veils are decorated on the back and on the ends, where the embroidery is visible when the veil is worn. Common motifs include the IHS monogram, the chalice, the cross, the Lamb of God, the Holy Spirit dove, Marian symbols, the Jerusalem cross, and Easter or monstrance scenes. Gold and metallic threads are common on solemn sets; the embroidery is typically machine-stitched, with hand-finishing on selected models.
The symbolism is simple and powerful: the veil hides the minister's hands so that the attention stays on the Blessed Sacrament. It is a visual statement that the priest is not the source of the blessing — Christ is. That is why the veil is often made of the best fabric and embroidery the sacristy can afford, and why it is usually coordinated with the cope or chasuble of the same set.
How Much Does a Humeral Veil Cost?
Our humeral veils range from $121 to $343. The price depends on the fabric, the amount and type of embroidery, the lining, the clasp or ribbon ties, and whether the veil is part of a coordinated set. The table below groups the collection by price and typical features.
| Price range | Typical features |
|---|---|
| $121–$150 | Brocade or satin, simple embroidered motif, unlined or lightly lined |
| $151–$250 | Velvet or brocade, richer embroidery, lining on selected models |
| $251–$343 | Velvet or damask, gold thread, tassels, lining, larger formats |
For comparison, a complete Benediction set also needs a cope and a monstrance veil for the vessel itself. Orders over $100 ship free within the United States.
How Do You Fold, Store, and Clean a Humeral Veil?
The veil is usually folded in an accordion style so that it can be put on quickly and without creasing the embroidery. There are two common methods: fold each side individually like an accordion, with the folds either on top of or underneath the centre; or offset one side and fold both sides together. Store the veil flat or rolled, away from damp, and avoid pressing sharp creases through embroidered panels.
Many of our brocade and satin veils are described as suitable for standard washing and ironing. Velvet, damask and heavily embroidered models should follow the care note on the product page; when in doubt, use a specialist liturgical cleaner. Store the veil with the clasp or ribbons fastened loosely so that the fabric does not take a permanent set.
A Short History of the Humeral Veil
The origins of the humeral veil are not documented with certainty. It was certainly in use in the continental Tridentine Rite and in other pre-Reformation uses, including the Sarum Rite, and it became widespread in the Middle Ages. In the Solemn Mass the subdeacon held the paten with the veil; in later centuries the veil became most closely associated with Benediction and Eucharistic processions. The 19th and 20th centuries brought a great variety of embroidery, with entire sets — cope, humeral veil, chalice veil and bursa — made in matching fabric and colors.
Humeral Veil FAQ
What does "humeral" mean?
“Humeral” comes from the Latin humerus, meaning shoulder. The humeral veil is named for the way it rests on the shoulders, with the two ends hanging down in front.
Why does the priest cover his hands?
The veil covers the minister's hands so that he does not touch the monstrance directly. It is a sign of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and a visual reminder that the blessing comes from Christ, not from the priest.
Can a deacon wear a humeral veil?
Yes. The humeral veil may be worn by a priest or deacon when handling the Blessed Sacrament, especially at Benediction and in Eucharistic processions. A bishop may also wear it.
What is the difference between a humeral veil and a vimpa?
A vimpa is a narrower shoulder veil used by altar servers when holding the bishop's mitre or crosier. The humeral veil is wider and is worn by the ordained minister who handles the Blessed Sacrament.
Is a humeral veil the same as a cope?
No. The cope is the full-length outer cloak worn by the celebrant; the humeral veil is the long rectangle worn over the shoulders, often over the cope, to cover the hands or the sacred vessel.
What color humeral veil should I use?
Use the liturgical color of the day: white or gold for Christmas, Easter and feasts of the Lord; red for Pentecost, Good Friday and martyrs; green for Ordinary Time; violet or purple for Advent and Lent; rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sunday. Black is associated with the Dominican rite and funeral use where permitted.
Do Anglicans and Lutherans use a humeral veil?
Yes. The humeral veil is used in the Roman Rite and also in some Anglican and Lutheran churches, especially for Benediction and Eucharistic processions.
Can altar servers wear a humeral veil?
Normally no. Altar servers use a vimpa when holding the bishop's mitre or crosier; the humeral veil is reserved to the ordained minister who handles the Blessed Sacrament.
How long is a humeral veil?
The traditional length is about 2.75 m (110 in) and the width about 90 cm (35 in). Our veils run from 250 cm to 300 cm long and 50 cm to 60 cm wide; each product page lists the exact measurements.
How do you fold a humeral veil?
Fold each side individually like an accordion, with the folds on top of or underneath the centre, or offset one side and fold both sides together. Store it flat or rolled to avoid sharp creases through the embroidery.
How should I clean a humeral veil?
Many brocade and satin veils are suitable for standard washing and ironing. Velvet, damask and heavily embroidered models should follow the care note on the product page; when in doubt, use a specialist liturgical cleaner.
What is a monstrance veil?
A monstrance veil is a decorative cover for the monstrance when it is reserved or carried. It is not the same as the humeral veil worn by the minister. See our monstrance veils.
Is a black humeral veil allowed?
In the Roman Rite the humeral veil is normally used in every liturgical color except black; black is associated with the Dominican rite and with funeral use where permitted. We stock black veils for communities that use them.
How do I choose a humeral veil?
Choose the liturgical color of the day, a fabric that matches your cope or chasuble, and a size that suits your monstrance. For a heavy monstrance, choose a lined veil with a firm clasp or wide ribbon ties.
Related Reading
Continue with our guides to Benediction vestments and the step-by-step order of Benediction. For a deeper dive, see what is a humeral veil, humeral veil vs cope vs vimpa, the size and folding guide, and the colors guide. You can also browse the matching copes, chalice veils, monstrance veils, ciborium veils and chasubles.
