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Veils and Virtue
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Young Catholics are increasingly embracing the Latin Mass, pre-Vatican II devotions, modest dress, and orthodox teachings—practices once thought to be fading relics of the past. From veiling at Mass to rediscovering the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, this generation is actively seeking a deeper, more structured form of Catholicism.
This revival is unforseen. Secularism is reaching a decline , with religious affiliation skyrocketing across the Western world. Gen Z is often described as progressive, questioning institutions, and rejecting authority—yet many within this demographic are turning to one of the most hierarchical and ritualistic traditions in Christianity.
The question is: Why? Why is the most digital, individualistic, and socially progressive generation attracted to something ancient, structured, and deeply rooted in obedience? What does traditional Catholicism offer that modernity does not?
Well lets break it down. First let's start with what is Traditional Catholic or ‘’Trad Catholic’’ as they are referred to online. Traditional Catholicism refers to a return to the Church’s historic liturgy, devotions, and theological foundations that were more prominent before Vatican II. It core component are…
The Latin Mass (Tridentine Mass): A solemn, pious liturgy celebrated in Latin, with Gregorian chant, kneeling for Communion, and strong focus on the Eucharist’s sacredness.
Rosary Devotion: A daily practice of meditating on Christ’s life through Mary’s intercession, seen as a spiritual weapon of protection and sanctity and essential to Catholic identity.
Fasting & Mortification: Observing older fasting rules, such as abstaining from meat on Fridays, Ember Days, and other penitential practices to cultivate self-discipline and spiritual strength.
Theology Rooted in the Church Fathers & Thomism: A focus on the works of early Church theologians and St. Thomas Aquinas, emphasizing absolute truth, natural law, and traditional moral teachings.
Nowadays, marked by hyper-individualism, digital overload, and growing religious schsim, it’s surprising to see members of Gen Z turning back towards traditional Catholicism. Frequently portrayed as progressive, anti-institutional, and skeptical of authority, this generation defies expectations by seeking out the very structure and ritual many of their peers have rejected. Globally, churches are seeing younger generations drift away—but in small but reverent Latin Mass communities and theology reading groups, young Catholics are returning to pre-Vatican II traditions. For them, tradition isn’t regressive—it’s radical. The Latin Mass, fasting, and modest
dress offer a sense of rootedness and clarity in a chaotic world. Amid the noise of modern culture, these practices provide quiet, mystery, and meaning. Traditional Catholicism gives Gen Z a countercultural identity, a spiritual discipline, and access to a sacred beauty they often feel is lacking elsewhere. In choosing the old, they’re crafting something strikingly new.
Despite its growing popularity, the rise of traditional Catholicism among young people hasn’t come without criticism. Detractors argue it leans too heavily on rigidity, clericalism, or even misplaced nostalgia for a Church that once felt less accessible. Tensions occasionally flare between traditional and mainstream Catholic communities, especially as some bishops remain cautious—or outright restrictive—about the availability of the Latin Mass. A known example of this is the very head of the Church Pope John Paul. In the bigger picture. through the 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, reflect concerns about its use and the broader implications for the Catholic Church. His decision to restrict the celebration of the TLM, reversing the more permissive approach of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, stems from a combination of theological, pastoral, and unity-related reasons.
In his press release he holiness said ‘’In order to promote the concord and unity of the Church, with paternal solicitude towards those who in any region adhere to liturgical forms antecedent to the reform willed by the Vatican Council II, my Venerable Predecessors, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, granted and regulated the faculty to use the Roman Missal edited by John XXIII in 1962.[3] In this way they intended “to facilitate the ecclesial communion of those Catholics who feel attached to some earlier liturgical forms” and not to others.[4]’’
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But many young traditionalists are pushing back, not with defiance, but with a quiet commitment to unity. They aren't trying to divide the Church; they’re trying to deepen their faith. For them, tradition isn’t about rejecting Vatican II—it’s about reclaiming reverence, beauty, and spiritual seriousness in a world that often forgets the sacred.
This isn't a voiceless revival isn’t just about aesthetics or nostalgia—it’s about quenching a deep spiritual hunger. Young Catholics today are not simply mimicking the past, but reappropriating it with fresh zeal. In a society saturated with instant gratification, moral ambiguity, and spiritual relativism, they’re drawn to a religion that demands something of them. Traditional Catholicism asks for sacrifice, discipline, and obedience—values that may seem outdated, but which resonate deeply with a generation craving authenticity and purpose. It’s not about turning back the clock; it’s about anchoring themselves in something timeless.
This movement also thrives online. Through Instagram pages such as Ironinquisitor, Comedic
Catholics and Franco Aurelio along with TikTok testimonies, from people like Sarah Stock coming home, young "Trad Catholics" are building communities beyond parish walls. They’re reading papal encyclicals, memorizing catechism answers, and attending Latin Mass with veils and mantillas—not out of blind obedience, but thoughtful conviction. Many find that the traditional liturgy, with its silence, incense, and reverent gestures, draws them deeper into the mystery of God.
In embracing the old, they’re forging a new spiritual counterculture—one that is unapologetically
Catholic in form and fervent in faith. While debates around Vatican II and Church unity continue, one thing is clear: this is not a passing trend, but a growing movement of young people yearning for the sacred, the transcendent, and the true.
I spoke to Connor MCcauley co- founder of Catholic organization Humanum Project. We spoke about the specifics of what are attracting Gen Z back to the home of the Traditional church. The highlight of the interview is when I asked him ‘’What role does a sense of historical continuity or authenticity play in drawing young Catholics to traditional rituals?’’. He gave a stellar answer for quite an off the hook questions. ‘’ Yeah I mean I think it’s essential I think its so huge.. Thinking of myself kind of growing up in the faith.. A lot of you just follow for a long time.. You just do at a certain age point say after your confirmation your faith you start asking the questions like ok am I am going to do this for myself.. Is this what I actually truly belief.. Like this this how I want to live and raise a family in.. you start to ask like the big existential question of life.. Like you know what does this all mean.. And then you find yourself winding back to the foundations of what what created of the thing that your practising.. and so when it come to Catholicism your going to back to the question.. Of like ok what did Jesus intend for his church and you’ve obviously asked the question is Jesus God and you’ve come to believe in that like ok what did Jesus desire for that Mass and where was the Church.. You know back when it first started, when you start to aks these questions.. And your starting to fall in love with who Jesus is you want to worship and pray as he intended, so I think I thinks its huge and that is probably one of the biggest things that us his flock. Young people are tired of wanting the fake and the fuzzy and the craving just Jesus and his whole being and that whole thing really come down to what Jesus desired and what he intended for us. So basically I just think we just truth.
Another answer that i think really emphasized the essence of this whole topic is
The fiery powerful resurgence of traditional Catholicism among young people is more than a liturgical trend—it’s a spiritual awakening. In a restless, distracted age, Gen Z is turning to what is ancient to rediscover what is eternal . The Latin Mass, veiling, fasting, and Thomistic theology aren't just
aesthetics—they're bold acts of devotion and renewal and their rocketing to fame. Just to further prove the point going viral on Tiktok is young ladies wearing the traditional vail known as the Mantilla which is black to celebrate Maundy Thursday in the most important week in the Catholic calendar Holy week or in Spanish Semana Santa.
Despite internal Church tensions, this movement shows tradition’s lasting power. These young Catholics aren’t escaping the world—they’re aiming to sanctify it. In a culture obsessed with self and novelty, they’re choosing surrender, mystery, and silence. Tradition isn't dying; it's being reignited—by the very generation no one expected.
"Emma Dabiri: The Voice Challenging Beauty, Race, and Belonging on Her Own Terms"
On Friday 31st of January 2025 Irish Nigerian Author Emma Dabiri graced Middlesex with her presence and gave a seminar reflecting on her time at SOAS, where studying African Studies shaped her worldview. She described it as a space that celebrated diverse perspectives and challenged dominant narratives. This foundation sparked her passion for exploring identity, race, and culture—key themes in her writing.
After her time at SOAS she wrote a book called Don’t Touch My Hair and What White People Can Do Next. Which sparked her curiosity and deep infatuation with the world of black hair.
Second Year Journalism student Lucia Szlosarek got to ask her a few questions. The first one being Your work challenges conventional beauty standards, particularly around Black hair. How do you see perceptions evolving, and what still needs to change in mainstream media and society?
Perceptions of beauty, especially around Black hair, have evolved with greater visibility and celebration of natural textures in mainstream media, thanks to social media amplifying diverse voices. However, issues remain as natural hair is often accepted only within curated trends. True change requires shifting from tokenistic representation to genuine acceptance, challenging biases in workplaces, schools, and media, and valuing diversity as the norm, not the exception.
In What White People Can Do Next, you critique performative allyship. What do you think is the most effective way for individuals to contribute to real systemic change?
As an academic and broadcaster, you engage with both deep scholarship and popular media.
The most effective way for individuals to contribute to real systemic change is by moving beyond performative gestures and engaging in sustained, meaningful action. This starts with self-education—understanding the historical and structural roots of inequality rather than relying on surface-level narratives. It also means leveraging one’s position, however big or small, to challenge injustices within personal, professional, and social spaces. True allyship isn’t about signaling virtue; it’s about being willing to confront discomfort, unlearn ingrained biases, and actively support policies and movements that dismantle oppressive systems. Change happens when awareness leads to accountability and consistent action.
Black hair is more than just a style—it’s political. From natural curls to protective braids like box braids, cornrows, and locs, every strand carries a history of resistance, identity, and pride. For generations, Black hair has been policed, stigmatized, and regulated—seen in cases like the U.S. military’s past bans on locs and afros or school dress codes punishing students for wearing their natural hair. Personal expression becomes an act of defiance against Eurocentric beauty standards. Whether it’s the fight against workplace discrimination, highlighted by the CROWN Act in the U.S., or reclaiming cultural heritage through icons like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange in mainstream media, Black hair challenges systems that try to define what’s “professional” or “beautiful.” It’s not just hair; it’s a statement.
Black hair is more than just a style—it’s political. From natural curls to protective braids like box braids, cornrows, and locs, every strand carries a history of resistance, identity, and pride. For generations, Black hair has been policed, stigmatized, and regulated—seen in cases like the U.S. military’s previous ban on locs and afros or school dress codes punishing students for wearing their natural hair. Personal expression becomes an act of defiance against Eurocentric beauty standards. Whether it’s the fight against workplace discrimination, highlighted by the CROWN Act in the U.S., or reclaiming cultural heritage through icons like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange in mainstream media, Black hair challenges systems that try to define what’s “professional” or “beautiful.” It’s not just hair; it’s a statement.
As well as talking about the politics of black hair Dabiri also highlighted the pivotal role that academic research played in shaping her as a writer. Her books are deeply rooted in scholarship, yet she skillfully translates complex ideas into accessible narratives for a broad audience. “Writing isn’t just about storytelling—it’s about connecting ideas with people’s lived experiences,” she explained. This approach has resonated with readers worldwide, positioning her as a powerful voice on issues of race, history, and identity.
She ended her session by quoting African American actress Lupita Nyongo. ‘’What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty inflames the heart and enchants the soul. I hope that my presence on your screens and in magazines may lead you, young girl’’. lack hair is not just a style; it’s a statement of identity, resilience, and beauty. Celebrating it in mass media affirms that diversity isn’t a trend—it’s the truth."
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Emma Dabiri. Circa Middlesex University 2025