A hairshirt is a rough garment made from material such as goats' hair and worn in the form of a ‘shirt’ or other item of clothing, for the purposes of mortification and penance. The Latin name possibly derives from ‘Cilicia’ where this cloth was originally made.
During the early ages of Christianity the use of hair-cloth, as a means of penance and as an aid to the wearer in resisting temptations of the flesh, became very common, not only amongst the ascetics and those who aspired to a life of perfection, but even amongst ordinary lay people, who made it serve as an antidote to the seeming comfort of their lives. St. Jerome, for example, mentions the hairshirt as being frequently worn under the robes of men. St. Athanasius, St. John Damascene, Theodoret, and many others also bear witness to its use in their times.
Traditionally the ‘veil’ or ‘mantilla’ represent purity and modesty in many religions and cultures. A veil, or head covering, is a symbol that can enable the woman wearing it to ascend the ladder of sanctity. When a woman covers her head in the Catholic Church it symbolises her dignity and humility before God, not men.
The woman who covers her head in the presence of the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is reminding herself that she must be humble before God. As with all outward gestures, if it is practised enough it filters down into the heart and is translated into actions that speak volumes. The “veil” covers what the Lord calls, in Holy Scripture, “the glory of the woman”, her hair. Covering her hair is a gesture the woman makes spiritually to “show” God she recognises her beauty is less than His and His Glory is far above hers. In doing this she is reminded that virtues cannot grow in the soul without a great measure of humility. So she wears the veil to please God and remind herself to practice virtue more ardently.
Our hairshirts, mantillas and other items are available to ship worldwide (all prices include shipping) in discreet packaging. For more details and pictures, please use the links below.
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| A traditional sack-cloth hairshirt with belt and metal buckle - $100.00 USD. Price includes shipping.
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| A traditional goatskin hairshirt with manilla rope tie-cord - $100.00 USD. Price includes shipping.
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| A cord Discipline, made by Italian Nuns (36g) 21" (53cm) - $93.00 USD. Price includes shipping.
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| Cat of nine tails made from authentic twisted hemp. "Tails" finished with Capuchin knots (French monks of the Capuchin Order used this knot on the end of their cord belts). 14" (36cm) - $75.00 USD. Price includes shipping.
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Standing metal crucifix. Wooden base. Similar to that used by the Pope. Made in Italy. 6" (15cm) - $37.00 USD.
Price includes shipping.
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Hanging crucifix. Wood.
Made in Italy.
9.5" x 7" (24cm x 18cm) - $50.00 USD.
Price includes shipping.
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Hanging crucifix. Metal. Similar to that used the by the Pope.
Made in Italy.
5.5" (14cm) - $43.00 USD.
Price includes shipping.
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A cross-shaped cilice made of metal complete with traditional manila rope tie-cord (21g)
5" x 3½" (12.5cm x 9cm) - $62.00 USD. Price includes shipping.
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