Bishop of Legnica Andrzej Siemieniewski, pursuant to canon 87 of the Code of Canon Law, grants all the faithful residing in the Diocese of Legnica a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, May 31, 2024.
The faithful making use of the dispensation are encouraged to undertake works of mercy or other acts of penance.
History of fasting
Fasting in the Catholic Church has a centuries-old tradition and is an important element of religious life. Limiting food on Fridays is intended to cleanse the spirit and body and strengthen one's faith. Friday fasting has its roots in the long history of the Church. Under the Code of Canon Law issued in 1917 by Benedict XV, Catholics were obliged to observe restrictive fasting regulations many times throughout the year. The changes that took place in the Church after the Second Vatican Council also affected the fasting regulations.
Types of fasting
Quantitative fasting involves restrictions on the frequency or amount of food consumed. During Lent, quantitative fasting was observed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but the main meal could include meat. Qualitative fasting means abstaining from eating certain foods, such as meat. All Fridays of the year are days of abstinence from meat.
Changes after the Second Vatican Council. Popes Paul VI and John Paul II introduced certain changes to the fasting regulations. Today, Friday fasting is more flexible, and the faithful can adapt it to their needs, for example by choosing other forms of abstinence.
Dispensation
In some cases, bishops may grant a dispensation from observing the fast. For example, during long May weekends, when many people attend family gatherings, bishops may issue decrees granting a dispensation from abstaining from meat on Friday. This was also the case with the decision of the Bishop of Legnica.