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
it would be most appropriate to make a gift to a food pantry or soup kitchen
to be sure that the poor will eat.  If you decide to make use of this special dispensation,
you are encouraged to choose another day during the week to abstain from meat
as part of the Lenten observances.