How Modesty Is Leading Aussie Women Closer to Christ

Photography taken by Gino DelFillippo

Every woman is called to become a saint. 

However, now more than ever, women are being tempted in all sorts of ways.

This Mother's Day, we wanted to give you a helping hand. That's why we've done a special Q&A with Sophia, from Elegance with Christ.

Sophia has helped thousands of women across Australia develop virtues that the world is lacking, mainly modesty. As a veiling company, she is spreading the beauty of traditional Catholicism in a way that brings people closer to God.

This is Sophia's story about how veiling brought her closer to God and why we need modesty.

 

"What inspired you to create Elegance in Christ?"

In pursuing Christianity, I became increasingly aware of the culture and ideas propagated by secular society. We live in a world that glorifies vanity, immodesty, sexual immorality, and the pursuit of external beauty at the cost of virtue. It deeply affected me to see women struggling to understand the dignity that God has bestowed upon them as children of God, igniting conviction and a deep longing within my heart for modesty. 

While trying to understand modesty through a biblical lens, I came across 1st Corinthians, the title being “Head Coverings.” St. Paul goes on to describe the practice of women covering their heads in worship, something I hadn’t really heard of or paid attention to before. Veiling became one of the practices that drew me to Catholicism and invited me to consider how sacred worship really is, ultimately leading me to the Eucharist. 

Veiling and modesty were both transformative in my journey to Christ and His Holy Church, helping me on my path to sanctity and holiness. I felt called to share the beauty of veiling and modesty; the desire to be a witness to their meaning and to bring others into deeper intimacy with God is what led me to create Elegance In Christ.

 

 

How do you hope your veils help women not just dress with reverence, but encounter Jesus more intimately?

I hope my veils help Christian women focus on their personal relationship with Christ rather than externals. Veiling helps us to draw our attention away from ourselves and towards the One who created us, reflecting a desire to be fully present with the Lord. 

However, my deepest prayer is that my veils, or even just inspiring others to veil generally, cultivate a deeper belief in the True Presence of Christ within the Eucharist. Because it is there, before the Blessed Sacrament, that we encounter our Saviour most intimately.

 

Many Catholic women feel torn between a desire for tradition and a fear of judgment. What would you say to a woman who is curious about veiling but hesitant to try?

 

Veiling can feel intimidating, especially if you belong to a parish or community where veiling is uncommon. I want to gently remind women that veiling is not about being seen by others but about becoming more aware of the One who sees and seeks you. 

I truly believe that if God is stirring this conviction in your heart, He will also give you the grace to walk in it. My best advice is to start small—veil before the Lord in your own home during personal prayer, try veiling at adoration, and even visiting parishes where veiling is common (such as churches that offer the Traditional Latin Mass) may help you feel more comfortable.

Veiling is about your personal devotion and reverence towards Christ. It’s a sacred exchange between you and Him. Do not be afraid; He will meet you there.

 

Why do you think there is currently a resurgence in more traditional forms of Catholicism?

There is a deep spiritual hunger for tradition; the secular world often feels rootless. We live in a time of deep confusion; I think the resurgence in tradition comes greatly from our need for clarity. Traditional Catholicism offers something counter-cultural, a faith that is objectively true, stable, and sacred without compromise. 

Tradition reflects the timeless nature of God, showing us that the way we express our faith is not entirely about personal experience or based upon our subjective feelings, but that it is about pleasing our Lord, Jesus Christ. I believe it is truly the Holy Spirit that is awakening hearts to the beauty of our Catholic heritage.

 

What virtues do you think Catholic women today most need to rediscover, and how have you tried to live them out in your own life?

 

I think it is important to rediscover modesty, gentleness, and humility. 

Modesty reorders our desire to be noticed and instead allows us to be vessels of God’s grace. It is not a matter of clothing alone, although how we present ourselves and express our dignity may be an integral part of modesty; ultimately, modesty is about placing our value in Christ while carrying ourselves in a way that reflects that. 

Gentleness can be misunderstood as weakness, but really it is the sword that disarms the world and allows the light of Christ to shine through. As Catholic women, we can reflect God’s mercy in our ability to be gentle, approaching others with compassion and tenderness.

And humility is the foundation of both, freeing us from ourselves and anchoring our confidence in Christ—“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30). 

Although I struggle, I try to foster these virtues in my own life through embracing modesty daily, choosing gentleness in how I speak and share, and asking God for a spirit of humility. I would like women to know that these virtues are not a burden; true beauty is found in surrender. 

 

What are some meaningful ways a Catholic woman today can try to live like Mary, especially in the ordinary moments of life?

Our Lady is the perfect example of how we should live our lives as Catholic women; we can embrace our Marian values even in small moments.

Living like Mary starts with prayer and pondering the mysteries of Christ within our heart, the same way she did (Luke 2:19), whether that is through small prayers throughout the day, praying the Rosary, or exploring other devotions. Surrender and obedience to God’s will daily is a reflection of Our Lady’s fiat; even in moments of weakness, we can offer up our sufferings to the Lord in the same way Our Lady did. I also believe that the way we treat and serve others is an important part of becoming like Mary. We can embody Mary’s grace and mercy through the way we serve our family and by treating those around us with gentleness. 

 

What’s something you’ve learned that you wish every Catholic woman could know?

I see many Catholic women, myself included, struggling with distinguishing between appearing holy and being holy. There is often pressure to appear perfect before others, to take on the best devotions, to say the right things, and to never let our spiritual weaknesses show. The truth is that God is not impressed by our appearance; all He desires is our hearts—our broken and contrite spirits.

I’ve learned to be still and focus on the One who is perfect. Holiness is found in surrender and stillness. True holiness is hidden—hidden in sanctification, contemplation, daily dying to ourselves, and working towards the perfection of love. We can learn best from the words of Our Lady, “Let it be done unto me according to thy Word.” 

 

What’s your favourite Catholic book—and how has it formed your heart or shaped your faith?

 

My favourite Catholic book is The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila—it really opened me up to Catholic mysticism, something I had hardly considered before discovering St. Teresa of Avila and the spirituality of the Carmelites. 

The Way of Perfection is aimed at women in religious life; however, it gave me a deeper insight into how to encounter Christ through the power of mental prayer. It challenged my affinity with comfort and pushed me to spiritual discipline; her emphasis on detachment helped me to develop a more contemplative prayer life.

 

If you want to learn more about Elegance in Christ, you can checkout their website or their Instagram here.

God Bless,

Virtue Books and Gifts