MANILA— Filipino-Chinese and 
Chinese Catholics in Manila have been dispensed from fasting and abstinence as they mark the Lunar New Year that falls on the Lenten season.
In a circular dated Jan. 19, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has decided to give dispensation from the Lenten discipline in view of the Chinese New Year on Feb. 16, the Friday after Ash Wednesday.
He, however, said that those availing the dispensation “must engage in other forms of penance, acts of mercy, and charity to the poor and those who suffer”.
The cardinal said these acts of piety and charity are necessary in keeping with the “penitential spirit” of the Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday ushers the 40-day Lenten season and is one of the two days of the year when Catholics are obliged to do fasting and abstinence.
CBCPNews
