Chinese Catholics exempted from fasting on Ash Wednesday

Members of the Chinese Catholic community in Manila have been exempted from fasting for Ash Wednesday this year. The exemption was issued by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales after the community asked for a special 'dispensation' from fasting and abstinence as Ash Wednesday falls on the eve of the Chinese New Year on Thursday. In a letter dated January 16, Rosales said he approved the dispensation in “the spirit of pastoral solidarity with our catholic Filipino-Chinese brothers and sisters." Catholics observe Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, by attending Mass where a priest draws a cross made from ash on their foreheads. The season also ushers in the start of fasting and abstaining from eating meat and other acts of sacrifice. But while exempting Catholic Chinese from abstaining from food, Rosales however requested them to fast on Friday. “In solidarity with the whole church however, I request that those dispensed on Ash Wednesday will observe fasting and abstinence on the first Friday of Lent," said the Cardinal’s letter. It is not clear if Catholic Chinese communities in other parts of the country have also asked to be exempted from fasting and abstinence. Fr. Genaro Diwa, of the Manila archdiocese’s liturgical affairs said the Chinese community asked for the dispensation through Msgr. Bong Lo, their vicar. “That is to respect their cultural celebration so the church gives in but they have to know that they are still obliged as Chinese Catholics so the Friday after, that is their fasting," Diwa said in an interview. He added that Filipinos who join in the celebration of Chinese New Year are also exempted from observing the fast. “Anybody who go to their celebration is also dispensed even if they are not Chinese," said Diwa. Fr. Diwa said the archdiocese has also approved a similar dispensation during the time of Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin for the same reason. He said some Catholic schools have also requested for dispensation in the past when their graduation rites fall on a Friday during the season of Lent. - GMANews.TV