Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tomorrow: The "Incarnation Indult"

Amid everything else afoot, a quick, pertinent Lenten note... one that the carnivores among us will especially enjoy.

Given tomorrow's Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the provision of Canon 1251 nullifies the obligation of abstinence from meat.

Last year, this was likewise the case when St Joseph's Day fell on Friday... then there's the whole matter of the famous "Corned Beef Indult," which -- while not deriving from the law itself -- is still granted in many places where St Patrick's Day is not a solemnity, but coincides nonetheless with the Lenten day of sacrificing beef and bacon. (Last come to pass in 2006, the latter scenario won't occur again 'til 2016.)

Bottom line: have a steak for the Savior tomorrow -- no need for guilt.

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