Bishop David Zubik has decided to relieve the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.

While no member of the faithful is required to use this dispensation, those who do so are encouraged to consider some additional act of Lenten discipline on that day, according to the bishop.

During Lent, members of the Roman Catholic Church are encouraged to abstain from eating meat on Friday.

The bishop decided, given the great impact which Saint Patrick has made not only on the people of Ireland but especially in the Pittsburgh diocese, to dispense from the obligation of abstaining from meat March 17.