By Archbishop Thomas Wenski - The Archdiocese of Miami

Archbishop Thomas Wenski has issued the following statement in response to questions regarding granting a dispensation from eating meat on St. Patrick's Day 2023.

March 17th is observed by many as St. Patrick’s Day. This year March 17 falls on a Friday of Lent, a day of fasting and abstinence. Many have asked for a dispensation from the obligation for fasting and abstinence in order to celebrate this saint who is the patron saint of Ireland and Nigeria.

As Archbishop of Miami, I grant the dispensation to anyone who wishes to observe the saint’s day with a meal that includes meat but, at the same time, I encourage those who will avail themselves of this dispensation to consider substituting on that or another day the Lent Friday fast and abstinence with another suitable penance, work of charity, or prayer.