Canonical: March 2004 Archives

The characters in The Duplex don't know it, but Lenten abstinence is not required on Solemnities (such as St. Joseph's day) that fall on a Friday.

Can. 1251: Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

On the other hand, the Red Sox home opening game is not a Solemnity; so don't eat any Fenway Franks on Good Friday.

The lay-run National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, PA, has released a statement of its position about the decree by Allentown's bishop Edward Cullen prohibiting the celebration of the sacraments at the Centre's chapel. Board members say that the Bishop has not responded to their canonical appeal and they are therefore appealing to Rome.

(I'd be happy to post a link to a statement from the bishop about the case, but have not been able to find any on the diocesan website. If any readers know where to find a statement from the diocese, please post a link in the comments.)