The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1904-02-20

| tlle uldull 10 DC SUN mlndtul OF their
duty to practice self-denial, and he
counsels that instead OF the abstinence
from meat some other sacrifice OF bod
lily comfort be practiccd, the sovereign
pontiff himself suggesting as such sac
ritice abstinence from Intoxicating
| drinks.
Other days OF fast and abstinence
occurring during the year are the En-
Der days and the Vigils OF certain fes-
rivals. The Ember days are: Wednes-
day, Friday and Saturday, February
24th, Goth, e7th; Wednesday, Friday
and Saturday, May 25th, 27th, goth;
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, Sep
TENDER 21st, 23d, 24th; Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday, December 14th,
10th, 18th. The Nigils. are: The Vigil
OF Pentecost, May 21st; that OF the AS
sumption, August 18th; that. OF All
Saints, October SYST; and that OF
Christmas, December 24th.
All Fridays are, OF course, days Of
abstinence. The abstinence which
formerly was obligatory on Saturdays,
has been dispensed with by apostolic
favor to the faithful OF the United
States.
The pontifical indult, OF which we
have spoken, eNempts working peo-
pie from the abstinence on Vigils and
Ember days, except when such Vigils
and Ember days fall on Friday.
Pastors will make to their hocks in
the usual terms due announcements of
approaching Embcr days and Vigils-
adding to such announcements a state
ment OF the privileges given by the in
dult to working people"
When doubt exists as to whether
ones condition or circumstances allow
exemption from the precepts Of fasting
and abstinence, counsel should be ask
cd from coniessors or pastors who are
the authoritative interpreters OF the
law, and who even are empowered in
special cases for good and sufficient
reasons, indicated or suggested in
Catholic theology, to commute the
precepts OF fasting and abstinence to
other pcnitcntia works.
In cnjoning upon the faithful the
prccepts Of fast and abstinence, Holy
Church is mindful Of the evangelical
law OF sef-denal, OF which the Savior
and his apostles we're, by example and
by worl, most eminent teachers. With
out scli-deniai there is no Christianity.
Indce 1, without self-denial there is no
natural morality. The man who has
not acquired by habit the power OF
self-restraint will not be victorious
over sin amid the storms and tempta-
tons OF life which all are compelled to
encounter.
The observance OF the fasts and alb
stincnces prescribed by the Church is
taken as a public and fearless profess
sion of Catholic faith. He who, with
out sufficient or obvious reasons, eats
meat or takes his usual meals when
abstinence or fast is enjoined, becomes
all occasion of scandal, and is not ac-
ccpted as practical Catholic.
Let Catholics, therefore, have the
courage of self-denial for the sake OF
Christ and of their own souls, and be
on their guard lest by their acts scan
dial be given, and the fair name of their
religion be dishonored
During Lent pastors will hold special
exercises OF devotion in their several
churches at appointed times. Instruc-
tons OF practical character upon the
Christian duties, the nature of the sac
raments, and the preparation for their
reception, should be given on those oc-
casions.
The devotion OF the Way of the
Cross will be observed. if at all pos
sible, in all churches and chapcls on the
Friday evenings throughout Lent.
JOHN IRELAND,
Archbishop OF St. Paul.
Whatever collection is taken up in
churches on Good Friday is, as usual,
according to letter Of the holy father,
to be applied i'll aid OF the missions of
Palestine.
JOHN IRELAND.
ST. Paul, February 10th, 1904