March 12, 2021

Abstinence from meat not required on March 19 due to Solemnity of St. Joseph

The Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is celebrated annually on March 19. This year, that happens to be on a Friday in Lent.

According to Church law, abstaining from meat is not required on a solemnity, including during Lent. Therefore, Catholics throughout the Church, including in central and southern Indiana, are not obligated to abstain from meat on March 19.

Catholics in central and southern Indiana may want to receive a plenary indulgence on the Solemnity of St. Joseph this year, which falls in a year dedicated to the saint proclaimed last December by Pope Francis.

There are many ways to meet the necessary conditions to receive the indulgence. Learn more about it at yearofstjoseph.org/indulgences. †

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