volleyball? It’s not very practical, I must say! And what if I fall? It would be indecent… And there is this really tough one: swimming and beaches? On the one hand, it seems that women should be able to go to the beach and swim. On the other hand, I’m not sure how all that fits in with what you have so eloquently said about modesty and chastity and occasions of sin? Is there some sort of “safe space” at the beach where men don’t have temptations, or what? Or maybe, I thought that before going to the beach I could say a prayer so that any man who sees me will have the grace to contemplate feminine beauty without lust, but with detachment and as a gift of God. Is that appropriate? As a family we only go to the beach for a few days during summer holidays, but there are also school swimming events at pools and, of course, swimming parties. Up to now, I have been to these, but I’m just wondering what to do. I have a friend in America whose doctor ordered sunbathing to help her with some skin disease. Should she just let the disease kill her and die a victim of Christian modesty? What do you think, Father? Is it alright for women and girls to bathe in public and if so, what should they wear? Or does it matter? Sorry if I’m asking so many questions! I just don’t want to offend our Lord nor be an obstacle to anyone. But I don’t want to be scrupulous either. With gratitude as always, Amanda 70
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