Wednesday July 12, 2006

Amarillo Bishop Calls for Modesty in Dress – Fight the “Battle for Purity”

By Hilary White
 
Purity Fashion Shows like this one in Atlanta are becoming an growing trend AMARILLO, July 12, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop John Yanta of the Catholic diocese of Amarillo, Texas, has published a pastoral letter on modesty in dress, especially at Sunday Mass, a subject that inevitably arouses strong reactions even in conservative circles.
 
Titled, “Modesty starts with purification of the heart,” Bishop Yanta’s letter calls choosing what to wear a “moral act.” Bishop Yanta writes, “we can help the devil in many ways including the way we dress.”
 
Referring to the “battle for purity,” required of the Christian life, Bishop Yanta writes, “When the community of believers comes together for the Eucharist (Mass) let no one be a distraction from Jesus or provide temptation (an occasion of sin) to another because of our manner of dress.”
 
Citing the bible and the Catholic catechism, Bishop Yanta goes on to quote a homily by Fr. Christopher Hathaway, a member of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP).
 
The homily by Fr. Christopher Hathaway, cited by Bishop Yanta includes the admonition: “How many Catholics this Summer will attend Sunday Mass in tank tops, shorts, flip flops... in dress unbecoming of the Holy Sacrifice… Anyone who dresses like this at Sunday Mass does not know where they are; they have become spotted by the world.”
 
Bishop Yanta has a history of refusing to shrink from controversy for the sake of his flock, even to the point of being one of the tiny number of US bishops willing to enforce a Vatican instruction that pro-abortion Catholic politicians must be refused holy Communion until they have publicly repented their position.
 
Bishop Yanta has also encouraged the establishment of a new religious community of pro-life priests with the help of Priests For Life head, Fr. Frank Pavone.
 
Read Bishop Yanta’s letter:
http://www.amarillodiocese.org/
 
Amarillo Bishop Stresses Necessity of Denying Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/sep/04092105.html
 
Pro-Life Priest’s Society Finally Approved
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122204.html
 
Contact the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas:
Post Office Box 5644
Amarillo, TX 79117-5644
 
t. 806.383.2243
f. 806.383.8452

URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/jul/06071205.html

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