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As directed by Church officials, priests across churches in Bandra have been making announcements before and after mass asking worshippers to ensure theyre dressed properly to pray.
Cardinal Ivan Dias message has also been printed in The Examiner, a bulletin that goes out to numerous households in Bandra as well.
While Cardinal Dias hasnt specifically mentioned what shouldnt be worn to church, parishioners are pretty clear whats acceptable and whats not. Among the latter includes low-cut, strappy or sleeveless blouses and short hemlines for women. Men cant wear shorts and shouldnt leave their shirts undone.
The diktat isnt new to Bandra in an earlier issue of metro Bandra (Feb 6-12, 2004) we had reported how brides were asked to refrain from wearing off-shoulder or strapless wedding gowns.
Commenting on the recent announcement, Father Savio from Mount Carmel Church says it must be taken
in the right spirit. Women attend wedding mass wearing low cut blouses which can be distracting for others who come to church to pay respect to God.
Father Vernon from St Andrews Church says, We received a few letters from parishioners who object to the way some people dress. Worshippers caught flouting the dress code are reminded about it.
Carl Fernandes, resident of Turner Road, says There was a need to make a public statement because going to church today is like attending a fashion show. You can actually come to evening mass to check out the crowd.
But not everyones pleased. Pamela Falcon, resident of Dr Peter Dias Road, says, Church officials asked me not to wear sleeveless again and come for mass.
Simone DSouza, a regular at St Andrews Church, says, I think they should allow women to wear sleeveless. Her colleague, Daniel DSouza, says, I wear shorts because Im most comfortable in them.
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