Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-02-16

LENT.-Rt Rev. Bishop LYNCH has issued the
following instructions for Lent 10 be observed by
the Catholics Of the Diocese of Ch arleston:
CHARLESTON, S. c., 5th Feb, 1864.
To the Clergy and Lqity
Of tie Diocese Of CZ 4rLestOn:-
The trying circumstances in which our county is
still placed require this year continuance Of the
notifications of the Discipline of the Church, as to
the observance Of Lent which were published last
year.
In her power of weighing well such ever varying
circumstances, and Of prudenty adapting her dSci-
plne IN this and in other matters Shere change is
allowable to the varying strength Of her children
IN her wonderful power of freely and fully doing
this without changing any of the PRINCIPLES or in
fringng any of tho truths which she received from
her Divine Founder. and which it is her mission to
preach to every creature the Church gives evidence
alike of her Oneness and immutability. as the "p.
lar and ground of truth" which is ever one and the
same and of that Oatholicity by which, having been
established for every age and nation she il in the
words of the Apostle, "all things to all men," and
there arise no condition of society in lich the
necessities of her children unknown TO her, or
beyond her maternal solicitude.
The Penitental season of Lent commences this
year on Ash Wednesday, February 10, and closes
with Easter Sunday, March 81.
During this season, by the ancient laws and the
spirit of the Catholic world, the use of flesh meat
was entirely forbidden, and every day Sundays ex-
cepted, fast day on one meal, generally to DO
taken only after sunset The Church, acting on
the principle already stated, has varousy flied
these regulations of her Discpline and in this Dio
cese feel that the necessities and the Difficult ty
obtaining such articles of food as ordinarily de-
sired in Lent, call for special mitigation.
The use of the Flesh meat will therefore he al
lowed at the principal meal and, the regulate N es
to quantity Of food being observed at the cola tion
on every day during Lent except Ash Wetlnes day,
oil the Fridays and Holy Saturday, which will re-
main and be kept as heretofore.
Besides the principal meal, which should not be
taken before midday, collation. not exceeding the
fourth Of an ordinary meal is allowed, to be ia ken
in the evening. If however, the principal meal is
to be taken late in the afternoon, then the colat
may be taken in the morning.
The usual causes exempt from fasting, viz: you Eh,
old age, hard labor; for females, pregnacy nd
nursing Those in the army or navy are also ex-
empted.' In eases of doubt each one should CO u
suit his confessor.
While we are thus released from many OF the
usual obligations of Lent our Holy Mother, the
Church, exhorts Us and expects US to make 8 it
were, some compensation, by more abundant cllari-
ty, according to our means, to the poor who on
every side of u.s. and by ervent and unceasing pl ay
er to God for speedy and honorable termination Of
the war, and the establishment Of happy peace.
Given at Charleston, S. c., this 9Th Feb, 1851.
P. N. LYNCH, D. D.,
Bishop of Charleston.
JonN MOORE, d. D. Sec'V