Vancouver, Canada, Feb 15, 2018 / 13:02 pm
The Archbishop of Vancouver has dispensed from the Friday Lenten abstinence Asian Catholics and their guests who are celebrating Lunar New Year Feb. 16.
"It is my pleasure to offer greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all Asian Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, as well as to all who will join them in celebrating the Year of the Dog," Archbishop John Miller wrote in his Lunar New Year Message.
"Although this year's celebrations fall during the solemn season of Lent, it is certainly fitting that social celebrations among families and loved ones take place," he said.
"As is customary in the Archdiocese of Vancouver, dispensation from the Lenten discipline of abstinence is granted to Asian Catholics and their guests celebrating the festival on Friday, February 16. Even so, I urge you to keep in mind the spirit of prayer and charity that we seek to practise during the Lenten season."