Over 100 Quotations from the Popes, Scriptures, Saints & Devout Souls on Modesty

IN three parts with the new addition of the third part, we now have over one hundred quotations from the Popes, saints, Bible, and devout souls on holy Modesty and Purity.

We can be very thankful for all these quotations, which can guide us to truly appreciate modesty and what a beautiful virtue it is, and how where Christ is, there modesty is found.

In these times where modesty is rare and few possess it, it must truly gladden the heart all the more where it is found and when modest souls can gather together and share friendship in Christ with one another.


'Glory not in apparel at any time, and be not exalted in the day of thy honour: for the works of the Highest only are wonderful, and his works are glorious, and secret, and hidden.'

Ecclesiasticus 11:4

'The purpose of clothing is to keep warm in winter and to cover your nakedness, not to serve your vanity.'

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Father and Doctor of the Church

'The good of our soul is more important than the good of our body; and we have to prefer the spiritual welfare of our neighbor to our bodily comforts. . . If a certain kind of dress constitutes a grave and proximate occasion of sin, and endangers the salvation of your soul and others, it is your duty to give it up. . . O Christian mothers, if you knew what a future of anxieties and perils, of ill-guarded shame you prepare for your sons and daughters, imprudently getting them accustomed to live scantily dressed and making them lose the sense of modesty, you would be ashamed of yourselves and you would dread the harm you are making for yourselves, the harm which you are causing these children, whom Heaven has entrusted to you to be brought up as Christians.'

Pope Pius XII

'Go to one who hath both knowledge and conscience, one of those who know excellently how to discern that which ought to be done. . . Choose one who is good, not anyone, whatever he may be, no! For sometimes thou wilt go to one who hath a carnal mind, and is not instructed, and who will say to thee; it is permitted thee for the sake of pleasure to thy husband to beautify thyself and to deck thyself out with ornaments. Out upon him! for he is a beast; do as I say to thee: go to a man of conscience and learning, and who is good.'

St. Bernardine of Siena