...a return to witness!
What greater witness is there for a priest or religious (both male or female) to make than to set themselves apart from the materialistic values of the western world and wear the clothing that is deemed suitable for their role? Answer: There isn't a greater witness...
The cassock? "But they're expensive" I hear some of you cry. This is true, they can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. The cassock (or clericals for that matter) set a priest apart, when I work around Cardiff and see a man in clericals I will acknowledge him and say "good morning" or "good afternoon" why? because there is a certain amount of respect that goes with the 'uniform'
The habit? If it was good enough for the founder, it's good enough for them now! The 60s modifications to some of the most ancient habits (Franciscan, Dominican etc...) are awful! Knee length skirts with woolly jumpers, blouses a cross (not crucifix) and a piece of cloth on the head which doesn't cover the head entirely...
...now I realise that the old habits would be slightly unsuitable for the works some of the Sisters do (soup kitchens etc...) but still! I firmly believe they're showing too much leg! At the very least they should have an ankle length tunic with a scapular and a full 'veil'...
...NOW! The male religious orders, to be fair most have kept the habit of their respective founders (Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites etc...) but why don't they wear them outside their religious houses?! I know a few Dominicans and they refuse, point blank to wear the habit outside their priory and it is most disheartening...
...having said that! There are a few 'good ones' who do bear the witness well, and wear the habit as a witness outside their religious houses! One that comes to mind is the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, such a wonderful, vibrant and young order! Highly orthodox and loyal to the Holy Father, appealing because you get what you expect with them...they are stable!
Pictures: Friars - Traditional Vocations Blog. Sisters - Damian Thompson
They are truly inspiring! Did I mention they're flourishing?? Well they are!
AVE MARIA!
What greater witness is there for a priest or religious (both male or female) to make than to set themselves apart from the materialistic values of the western world and wear the clothing that is deemed suitable for their role? Answer: There isn't a greater witness...
The cassock? "But they're expensive" I hear some of you cry. This is true, they can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. The cassock (or clericals for that matter) set a priest apart, when I work around Cardiff and see a man in clericals I will acknowledge him and say "good morning" or "good afternoon" why? because there is a certain amount of respect that goes with the 'uniform'
The habit? If it was good enough for the founder, it's good enough for them now! The 60s modifications to some of the most ancient habits (Franciscan, Dominican etc...) are awful! Knee length skirts with woolly jumpers, blouses a cross (not crucifix) and a piece of cloth on the head which doesn't cover the head entirely...
...now I realise that the old habits would be slightly unsuitable for the works some of the Sisters do (soup kitchens etc...) but still! I firmly believe they're showing too much leg! At the very least they should have an ankle length tunic with a scapular and a full 'veil'...
...NOW! The male religious orders, to be fair most have kept the habit of their respective founders (Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites etc...) but why don't they wear them outside their religious houses?! I know a few Dominicans and they refuse, point blank to wear the habit outside their priory and it is most disheartening...
...having said that! There are a few 'good ones' who do bear the witness well, and wear the habit as a witness outside their religious houses! One that comes to mind is the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, such a wonderful, vibrant and young order! Highly orthodox and loyal to the Holy Father, appealing because you get what you expect with them...they are stable!
Pictures: Friars - Traditional Vocations Blog. Sisters - Damian Thompson
They are truly inspiring! Did I mention they're flourishing?? Well they are!
AVE MARIA!
1 comment:
Another new layout? - And a change of identity! LOL Looking good.
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