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Msgr. Joseph LaMorte, vicar general and moderator of the curia, sent this notice in a letter to priests of the archdiocese March 9.
Fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstinence from meat on Fridays are important Lenten obligations for every Catholic bound by age and health. Every few years, our Lenten austerity is interrupted by one or two solemnities. The Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and patron saint of the universal Church is commemorated on March 19 and this year that celebration falls on a Friday of Lent. His Eminence is happy to grant a dispensation from abstinence from meat to all within the archdiocese as part of the observance of this Solemnity during the Year of St. Joseph. As we rejoice with a festive meal, or perhaps with sfingi or zeppole, it would be most appropriate to make a gift to one of our food pantries or soup kitchens to be sure that the poor will eat. If your parishioners decide to make use of this special dispensation, they are encouraged to choose another day during the week to abstain from meat as part of the Lenten observances.
