“Ask a Priest: Should I Speak Up About a Friend’s Immodest Posts on Facebook?”

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest
Q: I had a question regarding fraternal correction and how it should be done. A friend of mine has immodest pictures on her Facebook. It is not somewhere where most people would see them, but I am wondering if I am obliged to do anything about it and if so, what? Any advice you can give is welcome. I am a guy, by the way. – L.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: It is good that you have concern about your friend, especially in an area where people might have blind spots in their discretion.

The short suggestion is that you could bring this to her attention, but to do it with great charity and prudence.

For starters, it is good to assume that she has a lot of good will. The young woman simply might not understand how the photos could be perceived.

It is understandable that she might be influenced by the images she sees in ads and TV and movies, etc. She might think this is how to look “terrific,” though she might not understand the impression she is making on others, especially men.

Then again, you might ask whether these photos were meant for a very private audience – such as for a few of her women friends who might be less offended by the pictures.

Perhaps you might consider a few steps.

First, take this to prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit for the guidance to say the right thing at the right moment. Ask the Spirit to enlighten your friend, too. You might offer up a Mass or a rosary for this intention.

Second, if and when you decide to say something, mention to her first the things you admire about her: her charity, her joy, her loyalty, etc. If she senses your brotherly love for her, it might make for an ambience in which it is it easier to raise the issue of the photos.

Whatever you do, do it from the perspective of charity. You want to help your friend. And sometimes loves means we are willing to risk saying things that might be hard to hear.

Keep learning more with Ask a Priest

Got a question? Need an answer?

Today’s secular world throws curve balls at us all the time. AskACatholicPriest is a Q&A feature that anyone can use. Just type in your question or send an email to [email protected] and you will get a personal response back from one of our priests at RCSpirituality. You can ask about anything – liturgy, prayer, moral questions, current events… Our goal is simply to provide a trustworthy forum for dependable Catholic guidance and information. So go ahead and ask your question…

Have a question?

Today’s secular world throws curve balls at us all the time.

Ask A Catholic Priest is a Q&A feature that anyone can use.  You can ask about anything: liturgy, prayer, moral questions, current events. Our goal is to provide a trustworthy forum for dependable Catholic guidance and information. So go ahead and ask your question…

Need an answer?

Be in the know

Sign up to receive the latest questions and answers by email biweekly.

Have a Question about the Faith? Get the answer here!

Scroll to Top

Ask a Priest a Question

Please note:

Questions regarding details of abuse of minors or vulnerable adults (including pornography) could be the subject of a mandated report to civil authorities. Mandated reporters are persons identified by law who have an obligation to report suspected child abuse and neglect. 

Sign Up to Receive Ask A Priest

* indicates required

Looking for another country?

RC Near You

News & Resources

News & Resources

The Regnum Christi Mission

The Regnum Christi Identity

Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!