| Question Title | Posted By | Question Date |
|---|---|---|
| Re: Fast and Abstinence | Chas | Wednesday, January 21, 2009 |
Question: Brother - Regarding Abstinence - I remember as a child that the Friday after Thanksgiving the abstinence was always lifted. I don't know if this was nationwide or just in our Archdiocese. I know that the churches would always make that announcement. Now, nothing is ever mentioned in the pulpit regarding abstinence on Fridays or to susbtitute it with something else, like extra rosary, visit to the sick, some charitable work, etc. But my understanding is that we are obligated to do some form of penance. We have a large citywide festival in April and our Bishop would also dispense with the abstinence on that Friday because of the citywide festivities. However, that too is not mentioned at all. Why the laxity? People say "Oh we can now eat meat on Fridays" and leave if at that. Does a bishop have a right to do away with any form of abstinence/penance on all Fridays of the year except lent? |
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| Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM
Dear Chas: The universal law is that abstinence from meat is to be practiced on all Fridays of the year unless a Feast Day falls on a Friday. The Conferences of Bishops, not an individual bishop, can modify this. In the United States the Conference of Bishops allow for some other form of penance on Fridays outside of Lent. But, whether abstaining from meat or doing some other form of penance, one should do something on all Fridays of the year. In most countries, however, the universal law applies and abstinence is required on all Fridays. People in other countries beside the United States needs to find out what the approved practice is for their country. Individual bishops can dispense from the requirement on a case-by-case basis for special events or circumstances. As for these times that in the past your bishop has dispensed the Friday obligation that may no longer be true. If the parish does not give any announcement, then call the diocese offices and ask about it. God Bless,
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