I’ve been to St. Mary’s once, in 2011. A person who moved from there in 2003 jokingly informed me that the women and girls all wore prairie dresses and frumpy denim jumpers, so I’d better make sure my skirts and dresses met Padre Pio standards. To my surprise and sometimes dismay, I stood out because with the exception of maybe a few old ladies and one large family, my hemline was noticeably longer than that of nearly every female. During the week, I noticed teenaged girls I’d seen at Mass in town wearing shorts and t-shirts. It was not at all what I expected from the U.S. “headquarters” of the SSPX. In addition to short skirts, many wore their clothes too tight with nearly sleeveless cap-sleeve tops and scooped out necklines. The men, too, dressed much more casually than I was used to, although I cannot accuse them of being immodest.
When I met with a particular priest, I was somewhat embarrassed (for the women of St. Mary’s) when he commented positively upon my clothing.
That was eight years ago. I imagine it hasn’t improved.
Yes, it probably is time for a sermon on proper attire, but any priest who speaks out should have travel and housing arrangements in place and his bags packed, ready to go!