Catholic Modesty Quotes

“Modesty is not a religion in itself but rather a twofold act of the will for God’s glorification. Therefore we must work towards and possess a well-formed conscience, practice prudence and try to live a life of holiness, which the Church calls Christians to do anyway.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“Aside from the base Christian norm, which we must all follow, modesty, prudence, decency, and proper decorum can vary in our state in life. God calls all to work for the same goal: that of eternity, the salvation of their souls, and the souls entrusted to them. Those called to married life must be holy models for their children and helpmates to their spouse. Those called to the religious life are to be obedient to their superiors and God.
A married woman must practice a different form of modesty than a Nun, for example. A nun must obey the order’s rule, wear her habit, and obey her religious superior’s directions.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“Christians must act according to their state in life, respecting and glorifying God in all circumstances. Though what may constitute indecent, immodest, or improper decorum at one time or place may not necessarily be so at another.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“A tradition or societal custom of bowing to one another when meeting, or tipping the hat as gentlemen used to, can be changed. But it is not a morally problematic custom. Customs may come and go through time and the different cultures in a country, city, or state. Still, Christians are called by the Church to look beyond this and discern if whether it pushes the boundaries of Christian morality or is just a harmless custom.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“The Catholic Faith is not man-centered but Christ-centered and has always been so. It is for man but always points to God, not to man. This mindset greatly aids one, especially in one’s spiritual life, even concerning that of modesty.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“These are just a few examples of the strikingly similar disregard the pre-Christian pagans had for decency and modesty that we can see today in society. But we can also begin to see Church Fathers confront this issue, regularly stressing the importance of dressing and acting modestly in their sermons.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“Today our news media is bombarded by bare-chested “feminists” yowling in the streets proclaiming their rights to murder their children in their wombs, their rights to have intimate relations with each other, and oddly enough, that they have “equal rights and dignity with men.” Notice, too, if we watch the decline of morals in our society, the acceptance of public nudity and immodesty begin to escalate.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“All in all, this shows that not every bad person dresses immodestly, and not every well-dressed person is holy, but it merely clarifies the pagan characteristics of public nudity and the Christian roots of reverencing the human body.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“It is interesting to note that immodesty in dress was not solely a problem of the 1960s till today, but it continued through time as other vices which the Church never failed to warn of and condemn. And it was a constant theme in pagan cultures, while Christianity always promoted dignity in dress.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“The question of whether or not it is sinful for a woman to wear pants is such a point of confusion, division, and animosity among Catholics today that it should be addressed here. The issue needs to be settled once and for all. The question of wearing pants is the last thing Catholics should be outwardly attacking each other for.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“This leads us to wonder if letting little boys dress up in little girl clothing is OK. After all, if girls dress up as boys, what is the difference? And then, if girls dress in pants, why shouldn’t boys dress in skirts and dresses?”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“As Our Lady called for penance and prayers to save souls at Fatima, dressing decently can be a beautiful offering to heaven that will reap many, many rewards.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“Look around us in this world, how it suffers!”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“It is not surprising that what we wear in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament is different from what we wear in our own homes or swimming. This is simply having proper decorum; the Church does not call man to wear a suit and tie to bed or constantly in his own home. Nor would it be sensible for him to swim in such an outfit.
Charity, decorum, and Christian decency demand that man appears well dressed for the occasion. The difference here is not simply “cultural” or “situational,” but a call to be charitable in our decorum, decency in our actions and dress, and humility as Catholics. Note how Police Officers are dressed while on duty, or Nuns in their habits and priests in their collar (and cassock, for Traditional priests).”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“Thankfully, we are not left to our own devices, even if it feels like it. The Church clearly teaches us about what is sinful and what isn’t, and our duties. We simply must catechize ourselves in the Traditional Catholic Faith.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important

“We must never forget our proper role as Catholics; children of God and heirs of Heaven.”
― Julia Black, Catholic Modesty: What It Is, What It Isn't, and Why It's Still Important