In view of the celebration of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord on Friday, March 25, the observance of abstinence from meat is not obligatory, in accord with paragraph 1251 of Canon Law. This is not the same as a bishop dispensing from the obligation. That sometimes happens, for example, when the optional memorial St. Patrick’s Day occurs on a Lenten Friday. In that case, a bishop needs to make a special act to dispense from the obligation. Here, the law itself prescribes that when a solemnity (but not a memorial, as a solemnity ranks higher) occurs on a Friday, the law of abstinence does not apply.
But you can still enjoy the Fish Fry.
