In four decades of living and working here in Metro Manila, previously known as Greater Manila, I have observed during these recent years of my stay in Marikina City some adverse effects of modernism on Catholics particularly during the celebrations of the Holy Mass. Back then, the people were attending Masses wearing their "Sunday's Best" attire, rich and poor alike. Now, it's so sad to see that many Catholic churchgoers are going to church in their "Sunday's Non-Best" attire. It seems that such Catholics have lost their sense of decorum and propriety which they will not dare to do so in the presence of a high government official. On the other hand, followers of other religious sects can be observed wearing their semi-formal or formal attires during their church services.
I have been seeing for several years now in our Provident Villages chapel many churchgoers attending Sunday Masses wearing walking shorts and slippers or skimpy shorts and sleeveless,tight fitting shirts as if they're strolling on the beach or going to the malls. That many of these improperly attired persons still dare to receive Holy Communion immensely pains me so much. However, blame should be cast on church organizations tasked to maintain proper attire
among churchgoers for failing to remind such erring persons. Some parishioners would even wear dresses apt for some parties such as those with plunging necklines or sheer clothes truly inappropriate for such a solemn religious affair. Indeed, I have yet to see such improper attire among those belonging to non-Catholic sects and I envy them for such correct attitude wanting in many Catholics.
I have been seeing for several years now in our Provident Villages chapel many churchgoers attending Sunday Masses wearing walking shorts and slippers or skimpy shorts and sleeveless,tight fitting shirts as if they're strolling on the beach or going to the malls. That many of these improperly attired persons still dare to receive Holy Communion immensely pains me so much. However, blame should be cast on church organizations tasked to maintain proper attire
among churchgoers for failing to remind such erring persons. Some parishioners would even wear dresses apt for some parties such as those with plunging necklines or sheer clothes truly inappropriate for such a solemn religious affair. Indeed, I have yet to see such improper attire among those belonging to non-Catholic sects and I envy them for such correct attitude wanting in many Catholics.
As we are now observing the Semana Santa or Holy Week observance of the Christ's suffering, death on the cross and resurrection, its religious meaning is now lost likewise on many Catholics. It's now a time of spending not in prayers and meditation but in partying on beaches and other vacation spots. Prior to the 1990 earthquake in Baguio City, Holy Week there was celebrated in more mundane and raucous manner as rock concerts were the popular choice rather than the quiet and solemn religious rites during Good Friday. After that devastating earthquake, many people believed that Divine Providence exacted retribution on such irreverent actuation manifested during holy days. Thereafter, such rock concerts were no longer held during Good Fridays although there were reports that the same has returned to the scene. Lately, rock concerts are reportedly the in thing in Boracay during Holy Weeks of the recent years, will history repeat itself? Heaven help us!
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