Las Vegas Diocese Allows Meat Consumption on St. Patrick’s Day

LAS VEGAS – The Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas has announced that its members can consume meat this Friday in honor of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Generally, the Catholic faith forbids the consumption of meat on Fridays during Lent. However, given the timing of St. Patrick’s Day this year, bishops across the United States are making decisions regarding meat consumption on Friday.

The third Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, George Leo Thomas, approved the consumption of meat on Friday. In his statement, Thomas requested that parishioners exercise moderation in food and drink during the Lenten season. He also encouraged those who choose to eat meat on St. Patrick’s Day to avoid meat on another day of Lent that is not a Friday or to practice an equally penitential practice.

Thomas stated that his decision to allow meat consumption on St. Patrick’s Day was made after prayerful consideration and appropriate consultation, and in respect of the long-standing tradition of celebrating the Commemoration of Saint Patrick.

One church within the diocese, St. Thomas More Catholic Community in Henderson, will offer corned beef and cabbage as part of its Lenten Fish Fry this Friday, in addition to fish and pasta.

Credits: Fox5Vegas