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KEEP THE FRIDAY FAST AFTER THANKSGIVING
While our faithful have come to expect a dispensation from the fast on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I encourage all of the faithful to keep the usual practice of fasting and abstinence, asked of us by the church. We are Christians first, and we need to act and live accordingly for our salvation. Let us not forget that we are in the Philip’s Fast as the essential preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord.
In the Gospel, our Lord Jesus asks his followers to practice penance and fasting, so as to grow in holiness. This practice is articulated in our particular church law, Canon 880.2, which says, “Simple abstinence or an equivalent penance is to be observed on all Fridays throughout the year.” Let us keep this usual fasting day, even on the day after Thanksgiving, and benefit from the fruits of this spiritual practice, in imitation of Christ.
✠ Most Rev. Milan Lach, SJ
Bishop of the Eparchy of Parma