Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Catholics get dispensation from eating meat on St. Patrick’s Day
The Archdioceses of Philadelphia is granting a dispensation to all Roman Catholics in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia from the obligation to abstain from meat on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17. It is in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
The Catholics Bishops of the United States prescribe as part of a minimal penitential obligation that all persons who are 14 years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on Fridays of Lent.
In certain circumstances, such as the coincidence of St. Patrick’s Day and a Friday of Lent, the Diocesan Bishop may grant a dispensation from this obligation. However, if a Catholic makes the choice not to abstain from meat, then some other penance of choice is to be observed in honor of the passion and death of our Lord on the cross.
St. Patrick’s Day recalls the memory of this missionary Apostle to Ireland; his preaching of the Faith; and his encouragement to live authentic Christian lives. Faithful throughout the Archdioceses may observe March 17, 2023 by choosing a penitential act other than abstaining from meat.
The Archdioceses of Philadelphia is granting a dispensation to all Roman Catholics in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia from the obligation to abstain from meat on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17. It is in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.
The Catholics Bishops of the United States prescribe as part of a minimal penitential obligation that all persons who are 14 years of age and older are bound to abstain from eating meat on Fridays of Lent.
In certain circumstances, such as the coincidence of St. Patrick’s Day and a Friday of Lent, the Diocesan Bishop may grant a dispensation from this obligation. However, if a Catholic makes the choice not to abstain from meat, then some other penance of choice is to be observed in honor of the passion and death of our Lord on
the cross.
St. Patrick’s Day recalls the memory of this missionary Apostle to Ireland; his preaching of the Faith; and his encouragement to live authentic Christian lives. Faithful throughout the Archdioceses may observe March 17, 2023, by choosing a penitential act other than abstaining from meat.