A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Hilary Ibegbulem, has kicked against the act of exposing one’s body in public places, saying, indecent dressing should not be condoned by the society.
Delivering a Homily during the celebration of Holy Mass at the Catholic Church of the Ascension, Asaba, Delta State, on Sunday morning, Fr. Ibegbulem emphasized that indecent dressing cannot be accepted in the society in the name of fashion.
He noted that just as immoral actions are not acceptable by the society, indecent dressing should not be encouraged by anybody.
“Year 2021 has been declared as a Year of St. Joseph, for us to reflect on the roles Joseph played in the lives of Mary and Jesus Christ; Joseph is a man of honour.
“This Sunday is about call to discipleship; a call for us to follow the steps of Jesus Christ as true Christians.
“Because, He is Holy, He called us to be holy; He invites us to live our Christian life by living holy life; the call can be called vocation call; it is unique, because, it is only God who calls and every of His call must be responded to.
“When He called Samuel, Samuel responded, when Jesus called His disciples, they followed Him; when God calls, there is always a response and He is calling us today to a life of discipleship, He calls us to be holy; we should answer Him by being holy.
“God is calling us to glorify Him and shun immorality
“We should glorify God with our body, but, this does not require exposing vital parts of our body that should be hidden to the public; we cannot glorify God with indecent dressing.
“We cannot lose sight about what is called indecent dressing; in the name of fashion, our world is paying dearly for it; there are several cases of rape and immoral activities.
“Some persons are taking what we know as indecent dressing as fashion, sexually appealing, which is wrong.
“Glorify God in your actions; with the way we dress, does it glorify God? Even married women are not exempted from this action.
“There are parts of the body that must be covered, but, some persons derive joy in opening it to the public; some persons go to market to buy clothes that exposes their body.
“People are now wearing underwear to public places in the name of fashion; how does that glorify God when you are as good as someone who is naked in the name of fashion?
“During wedding ceremonies, they give the women wrapper so that they can dress as women, as true examples in the society.
“For men, if you support such indecent dressing among women, you are worst than them; your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, keep it holy,” Fr. Ibegbulem said.
The Holy Mass featured special thanksgiving service by individuals and groups.