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| Dress and decorum in and out of church; | |
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| Topic Started: Saturday, 7. October 2006, 14:42 (515 Views) | |
| Derekap | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 14:42 Post #1 |
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The traditional headgear of the St Vincent de Paul nuns must have taken some time, effort and money to keep in good condition and smart. It could also have been difficult when crossing the road. A friend of mine visiting his brother's parish social occasion met the girl of his dreams only to suffer the nightmare that she was a nun! So there is something to be said for nuns retaining their habit unless in certain areas such may cause hostility or discrimination which outweighs the good they wish to do. |
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| Rose of York | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 16:43 Post #2 |
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A nun wearing a suit, sober white blouse or jumper and a large crucifix is demonstrating her Christianity. The wearing of a veil, covering her hair to neck level, shows she is a nun. When I meet a nun dressed like that, addressing her as "Sister" comes naturally. A woman wearing jeans or an ordinary dress is not seen to be a nun. Why do some nuns totally abandon the wearing of attire that signifies their role and vocation? |
  Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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| mattg | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 17:00 Post #3 |
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Is it because its more practical and comfortable for modern living. I think they would be stared at if they walked about in the habit of the Sisters of Mercy, us oldies were used to it. mattg |
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| Rose of York | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 17:15 Post #4 |
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matt, I am currently dressed in trousers and sweatshirt, because they are practical. It makes sense for a nun to wear practical clothing in some situations, for example planting bulbs in the convent garden or a nun social worker helping someone clear a house they have been unable to cope with. However I do like to meet a nun who is proud of her calling. The combination of veil and cross might lead to people asking "Why do you wear a veil and that big cross?" What a grand opportunity for evangelisation. I was thinking of a small neat, modern veil, not some huge gloomy object. There is no reason why a nun should abandon her femininity. In a parish situation it helps to be able to spot the Sisters (if the parish is lucky enough to have any) and the clergy. I see no harm in the parish priest wearing "civvies" in some situations, but not "on duty". |
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Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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| Derekap | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 20:22 Post #5 |
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Some women wear crosses or crucifixes on very exposed cleavages. Is such a form of jewellery, devotion or an occasion of sin? |
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| Emee | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 20:43 Post #6 |
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I suppose it would depend on the woman's awareness of her own body - plus her intentions - which may be innocent but thoughtless. Personally I would say that's a big "no no" look for any Christian woman. There are times when she has to accept that she has to look different from non-Christian woman - and cover up a bit. It's so easy to look trendy and smart without going over the top and just looking sluttish. There should be no excuse!! B) |
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| mattg | Saturday, 7. October 2006, 21:38 Post #7 |
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Its amazing how prudish we are, yet we accept all the nude paintings in Sistine Chapel and other places. I was told once that a Pope had very erotic paintings in his bathroom I don't know why. mattg |
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| Derekap | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 19:38 Post #8 |
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mattg. I agree that certain pictures are considered pornograhic but others because they are painted by famous artists and they are religious subjects are usually considered wonderful. I am not happy with half-dressed Saints and naked cherubs and the often rather erotic poses - especially if they are in church property. |
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| CARLO | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 21:11 Post #9 |
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Ignoring the usual boat load of red herrings about immodesty etc the central message here is: Let's defend, preserve and restore the confident signs and symbols of our Catholic Faith including proper dress for Nuns and Priests. If we do this we will not need to worry about other Faiths doing the same. Judica me Deus O God sustain my cause CARLO |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 21:18 Post #10 |
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CARLO what would you suggest for a layman to wear as a confident sign and symbol of our Catholic Faith: 1 When "suitably attired for business or profession", ie wearing a suit and tie. 2 When casually dressed. |
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Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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| CARLO | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 22:03 Post #11 |
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Rose Laymen in formal wear such as a suit might wear a suitable lapel pin or brooch in the form of a crucifix or Papal Arms etc but there are so few tasteful ones of modest size to be had these days. In informal wear the standard on the Continent is the gold/gold coloured cross and chain or religious medal worn around the neck. But good taste and fashion are such personal matters. Pax CARLO |
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| Emee | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 22:59 Post #12 |
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Matt I don't think keeping's one's cleavage covered is prudish if you're a Christian woman. I think it's about being modest and not sending out the wrong signals. It's so easy for a woman to give the wrong impression about herself. I think it's important for a Christian woman to be aware of how she is dressed. Like I said it's fine to dress smartly, even trendily, without going over the top. Covering up is more to protect the woman herself from misinterpreted signals. I know - I've been there!! Emee |
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| Patrick | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 23:08 Post #13 |
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Derek, Why not phone the Vatican and offer to go over to the Sistine Chapel armed with a roller and a truckload of magnolia emulsion? 
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| Patrick | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 23:20 Post #14 |
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Emee, I totally agree with what you say here. Furthermore, a woman displaying modesty in her dress is also showing respect to Our Lord in His House. Outside of Mass, she is setting standards in decency. |
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| Rose of York | Sunday, 8. October 2006, 23:40 Post #15 |
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Covering up does protect a woman, and also the man, from embarassment or unwanted temptation. A woman can look femine, and keep cool, without having to throw her body at all and sundry. One of the most beautiful women I remember was a nun who taught me. She wore the long black habit and the veil, but nothing detracted from her lovely eyes and beautiful skin and slender hands. Femininity and masculinity are displayed in attitudes. |
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Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards | |
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4:35 PM Nov 23