Dispensation Granted for St. Patrick’s Day Author: The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Press Releases and Statements 1 Mar 2023 Share FALL RIVER — This year, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th falls on a Friday during Lent. In consideration of the culinary traditions of this feast and in response to a number of requests, Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has granted to Catholics in the Diocese of Fall River a dispensation from the Lenten rule of abstaining from meat on that day. Catholics are asked to fast and practice abstinence in Lent as means of penance to unite in the suffering and death of Christ, and to prepare for His resurrection on Easter. Bishop da Cunha encourages those who choose to make use of this dispensation to carry out some other sacrificial act or work of charity in keeping with the spirit of the Lenten season. The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. The Bishop of Fall River Categories In the News Press Releases and Statements Messages from The Bishop Bishop's Blog Success Stories Photo Gallery Videos Related Posts In the News 3 Mar 2017 Dispensation Granted for St. Patrick’s Day FALL RIVER — This year, the celebration of St. Patrick’s feast day on March 17th falls on a Friday during Lent. In consideration of the culinary traditions of this feast … Read More In the News 13 Mar 2020 Diocese Responds to the Coronavirus Outbreak Updated February 14, 2022 The Diocese of Fall River has issued several statements in response to the coronavirus and shared resources as well. Please find below, in one place, a … Read More In the News 9 Jun 2021 Bishop da Cunha, Region’s Other Bishops, Lift Mass Dispensation FALL RIVER — Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., has issued a letter announcing that the Fall River Diocese will be among several dioceses in the region to lift the … Read More