Friday, March 19, 2021 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Solemnities are the highest rank of liturgical observance. As they are likened to a Sunday, the prescribed penance of Lent is not obligatory.
The Universal Law of the Church (Canon 1251) instructs that abstinence from meat which is observed on the Fridays of Lent is not binding when a solemnity should fall on a Friday. So, it is permissible to eat meat on Saint Joseph’s Day without violating the Lenten discipline.
This year, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph takes on special significance as it occurs during the Year of Saint Joseph, patron and protector of the Universal Church. The faithful are encouraged to honor Saint Joseph in some way.
Please see the Archdiocesan website for the Year of Saint Joseph, https://archphila.org/joseph/.
Information about the Year of Saint Joseph
On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8, 2020), Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), to mark the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. Within his letter, the Holy Father proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.
The “Year of Saint Joseph” invites all the members of the Church to recognize the unique role of Saint Joseph as the Patron and Protector of the Universal Church. The Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter further invites the members of the Church “to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession, and to imitate his virtues and his zeal” (cf. Patris Corde).
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Editor’s Note: For more information about the Year of Saint Joseph, please visit https://archphila.org/joseph/
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)