Bishop Earl Fernandes has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus and any visitors or travelers who might be physically present within the territory of this diocese a dispensation from the Lenten obligation of abstinence from meat for the feast of St. Patrick on Friday, March 17.
The dispensation is granted to members who undertake one of the following works:
• Makes a pilgrimage or visit to any church in the Diocese of Columbus named in honor of St. Patrick (Columbus, London, Junction City).
• Assists at Mass at any church, chapel or oratory on March 17.
• Prays the “Breastplate of St. Patrick” attributed to St. Patrick.
• Engages in some pious devotion such as the rosary, the Stations of the Cross or Eucharistic Adoration.
• Performs an act of comparable penance (such as abstinence from meat) on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent.
The obligation to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent is an important element of the Catholic Church’s observance of the penitential nature of the holy season. This year, March 17, the Friday of the Third Week of Lent, corresponds with St. Patrick’s Day, traditionally an occasion for joy-filled celebrations in the diocese, especially among those of Irish heritage.
Bishop Fernandes took into consideration both past practice and present circumstances in allowing the dispensation.
