FARGO — The Catholic Diocese of Fargo is giving local Catholics some flexibility with St. Patrick's Day landing on a Friday during Lent this year.
Bishop John Folda is commuting the obligation of abstinence from meat, meaning Catholics under the Fargo Diocese are allowed to choose another day to abstain until March 23.
The decision was made in February to allow for pastors and their congregations to adjust as needed.
The Fargo Diocese Director of Communications Paul Braun said the decision allows people to both celebrate to the fullest and uphold Lent obligations.
"St. Patrick's Day is a very popular feast day for not only Catholics, but non-Catholics," Braun said. "There are traditional ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Bishop Folda recognizes that."
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The decision is made by each individual diocese. The Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota, is granting a dispensation; meaning an act of charity or exercise of piety can be done instead.
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