BUFFALO, N.Y. — Catholics in Buffalo have been given permission to eat all the corned beef they desire on St. Patrick's Day, which falls on a Friday during Lent this year.
On Monday, Bishop Michael W. Fisher of the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced a commutation of the discipline of not eating meat on St. Patrick's Day. The holiday falls on a day when Catholics abstain from meat during Lent.
Fisher said Catholics who choose to eat meat on St. Patrick's Day will have to pick another day before March 24 not to eat meat.
“I hope this allows for a joyful celebration of St. Patrick and Irish heritage, by blood or association, for all who find this day meaningful,” Bishop Fisher said in a released statement. “May the love and protection St. Patrick can give, be yours in abundance, as long as you live. St. Patrick, pray for us.”