Iloilo City’s Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral will require all attendees to adhere to a proper dress code starting July 1.
Reverend Father Angelo Collada, director of the Jaro Social Communication Office, stressed the importance of wearing decent clothing when coming before God in prayer.
Although Father Collada encourages the faithful to wear Sunday attire, he acknowledges that not everyone is comfortable or financially able to purchase such attire. He also clarified that even those who do not follow the dress code will still be allowed to enter the cathedral.
The goal is to correct the practice of attending mass in clothing more suited for a beach outing, such as short and revealing clothing.
He also emphasized the need for closed shoes but made exceptions for those with medical conditions or who cannot afford appropriate footwear.
“This serves as a reminder to adhere to the church’s guidelines, which are sometimes overlooked, particularly by younger individuals who may not be familiar with the traditional Sunday attire,” Father Collada said.
He mentioned that other churches in the Jaro archdiocese are preparing long skirts and veils for tourists who wish to pray and enter the church.
