Local Catholics expressed excitement when the leaders from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and other Catholic institutions exempted them from going meatless, as Lent coincided with St. Patrick's Day on Friday this year.
Local Catholic leaders allowed the faithful to eat corned beef and cabbage on Friday, even if they presented significant issues for those observing Lent.
Granting Exemptions From Meatless on St. Patrick's Day
Philadelphians can relax and enjoy their corned beef this Friday as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia issued an exemption from the traditional Lenten requirement to abstain from meat.
NBC Philadelphia reported that Archbp. Nelson Pérez asked Catholics to take on another penance than avoiding the St. Patrick's Day classic if they wished to participate.
In commemoration of the life and legacy of St. Patrick, his death in the fifth century is marked yearly on March 17. Due to the holiday's timing during Lent, Irish families would typically worship together in the morning and then celebrate together in the afternoon.
History website stated that Irish people would dance, drink, and feast on the traditional supper of Irish bacon and cabbage as they were no longer restricted from eating meat during Lent.
In the U.S., those who observe Lent, or the 40 days of prayer and fasting before Easter, will have difficulty eating corned beef.
While Catholics are expected to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, local religious officials in Philadelphia have given their congregations a 'pass' in honor of St. Patrick.
Other Catholic Leaders Allowing Congregation to Eat Meat
Per the report, Catholics in New Jersey were excused from observing meatless Friday on March 17 by the Diocese of Trenton so they could participate fully in the celebrations.
As a further sacrifice for Lent, Bp. David M. O'Connell has urged Catholics to abstain from eating meat on another day and instead engage in a charitable act or religious practice.
Aside from that, Bp. William Koenig of the Diocese of Wilmington also did the same by allowing the faithful to consume meat and celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
About Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia shares the Gospel message that Jesus Christ is the true Light who gives life to those who believe in Him. They want to spread this joy by telling everyone about God's love and grace through the Gospel message of forgiveness and reconciliation.
The archdiocese is devoted to building up and strengthening the local church, which begins in every family, continues in each parish, and spreads out into the larger community.
Per the website, they also help those in need by giving to charity and joining forces with those of goodwill to promote equality and harmony in the world.
Geography of the Archdiocese
The five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania that comprise the archdiocese are Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery.
Established in 1808, the Diocese of Philadelphia covered all of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and roughly half of New Jersey. This region is today served by 11 diocesan cathedrals.
Pennsylvania has eight dioceses, including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, Erie, Scranton, Harrisburg, Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Allentown.
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