BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Catholics can now eat meat on Fridays for the rest of Lent, according to Archbishop Seán P. O'Malley.
The Archdiocese sent a letter explaining that uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic mandated the change in tradition:
One of the effects of the current events is uncertainty regarding what food products are available on any given day. At this time, we are called to make the best of what we have at hand or is available for purchase. Many people are using what they have stored in their freezers and on their shelves. Others are depending upon pre-packaged meals or food delivered through support agencies.
The fast from meat in Catholicism is considered a form of sacrifice for Jesus, who sacrificed himself on the cross on Good Friday to absolve people of original sin.
Prior to Vatican II, an ecumenical council that decided on changes to update Church practices, Catholics were required to not eat meat any Friday of the year in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice. Vatican II started in 1962 and ended in 1965.
Previously, O'Malley halted in-person mass at churches and any large gatherings of worship.
Easter, which marks the end of Lent, is on April 12 this year.
There are now almost 2400 cases of coronavirus in Massachusetts, and at least 100 health care workers in Boston have tested positive for the virus.
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