Decency

Modesty is decency.

“Modesty is decency. It inspires one’s choice of clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity. It is discreet” (CCC 2522).

The season of Lent invites us to become more attentive to the word of God and prayer. This is so that we may be prepared for penance for the renewal of our baptismal vows.

To help us live prayerful lives and so be led to true renewal, we need to observe modesty in public places. Wearing decent clothing especially in places of sacred worship is called for. The practice of modesty is a manifestation of our respect for others and for our selves.

“The forms taken by modesty vary from one culture to another. Everywhere, however, modesty exists as an intuition of the spiritual dignity proper to man. It is born with the awakening consciousness of being a subject. Teaching modesty to children and adolescents means awakening in them respect for the human person” (CCC2524).