Several times at Mass a young man has come in carrying his shoes and was barefoot during the entire Mass. He carries his shoes outside. Is this a religious practice?
Possibly, but it more likely is a cultural practice. Some cultures consider it a sign of respect to remove one’s shoes upon entering a building. In any event, you might recommend to the pastor that he instruct an usher to approach the young man and kindly request that he put on his shoes. In making the request, a brief explanation might be given that, in Western society, people ordinarily wear shoes in public, particularly when attending solemn events. If the young man mentions that he is going barefoot out of religious observance, the usher can then direct him to the pastor who can explain that Catholic religious observances and customs prevail in Catholic churches.
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