Respect for holy places
From Fr Severiano Phiri, Taung:
The letter of Rosemary Gravenor “We dress our hearts for God” (March 17-23) confirmed for me what I have observed in many Catholic Christians: that church buildings are regarded as public, not sacred places, whether there is a tabernacle there or not.
It saddens me to see people in church chewing gum, chatting, walking to and fro, cellphones ringing, some not properly dressed.
I admire the respectful way Africans treat their king, chiefs or elders. Why not do the same for God?
I admire also the way Muslims and people of other faiths respect their holy places. It’s where humans communicate with God. Some Catholics don’t even dress properly in their places of prayer.
Jesus allowed himself to be undressed and humiliated on his cross because of his love for us, not for us to enjoy looking at him.
I urge all priests to join in teaching people reverence for holy places. How we dress and celebrate Holy Mass, our gestures and how we address the people must accord with the respect such places deserve.
- Flabbergasted by a devout Holy Mass - January 30, 2024
- The Language of the Heart - August 8, 2023
- Let’s Discuss Our Church’s Bible Past - July 12, 2023
