Attendees of a church fundraiser have been granted dispensation to eat corned beef on St. Patrick's Day, despite it being a Friday during Lent when Catholics are traditionally required to abstain from meat.
The Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend has announced that Catholics can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with corned beef by attending Holy Mass, reciting the rosary for intention of peace in the world, or spending 30 minutes of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament instead of abstaining from eating meat during Lent. This commutation is meant to preserve the penitential spirit of a Lenten Friday while also allowing for the celebration of a great saint.
The pandemic has led to restrictions on St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including limitations on the consumption of corned beef in some areas. While the dish is a traditional part of the holiday for many, some cities and states have imposed restrictions on its sale or consumption due to concerns about COVID-19. As a result, those looking to enjoy corned beef on St. Patrick's Day may need to check local regulations before doing so.