Dispensation for Saint Patrick’s Day: The obligation to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent is an important element of the Church's observance of the penitential nature of this holy season.

This year, March 17, the Friday of the Third Week of Lent, corresponds with Saint Patrick's Day, traditionally an occasion for joy-filled celebrations in this diocese, especially among those of Irish heritage.  Bishop Fernandes, taking into consideration both past practice and present circumstances, has granted to the faithful of the Diocese of Columbus, as well as to any visitors or travelers who may be physically present within the territory of this diocese, a dispensation from the obligation of abstinence from meat on March 17, 2023, provided that the member of the faithful taking advantage of this dispensation, undertakes one of the following works: 

1) makes a pilgrimage or visit to any church in the Diocese of Columbus named in honor of St. Patrick (Columbus, London, Junction City); 

2) assists at Mass at any church, chapel, or oratory on March 17; 

3) prays the “Breastplate of St. Patrick,” attributed to St. Patrick; 

4) engages in some pious devotion such as the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, or Eucharistic Adoration; or 

5) performs an act of comparable penance (such as abstinence from meat) on some other occasion during the Third Week of Lent.