Three centuries after the followers of St. Vincent de Paul covered their hair with simple veils to look like the peasants they were serving, members of the religious order have removed the head coverings, saying their founder would have wanted it that way.
Last month, the Daughters of Charity followed the actions many of their fellow Roman Catholic sisters took 30 years ago with a decision to opt out of their traditional religious garb.No longer will their members have to wear the distinctive light-blue uniform and head covering, called a "coif," when they are out among the public. Instead they have the option of wearing a blouse and skirt of simple design, with no veil.
"When St. Vincent founded our order in the 17th century in France, he wanted us to look like the people we were serving," said Sister Catherine Madigan, the head of the nine-state Daughters of Charity provincialate located in Evansville, Ind.
It was in June, when Daughters from 73 nations gathered in Paris for their general assembly, that the decision was made.
Many of the sisters - who provide health care and education - felt the habit had become an obstacle in the work they did, especially in some Third World nations. And yet because some members believe the habits can also work to their advantage, the Daughters have the choice between shedding them or not.
"Some of our members believe the habit is comforting to the people they serve," said Sister Madigan. "For some it's a witness of their faith. And in some neighborhoods where we work, it's protection."
The decision comes at a time when some religious orders are clinging to their traditional dress and pointing to the words of Pope John Paul II as justification.
In a papal letter issued last year, the Pope strongly suggested both priests and nuns wear their habits as a visible sign to the world of their vocations.