The disciplinary practice of abstaining from meat on the Fridays in Lent is an important dimension of the penitential nature of the season. This year, the Feast of St. Patrick, March 17, 2023, falls on a Friday in Lent. 

Given the many celebrations that occur on this day in accord with the norm of law, I herewith grant to all Catholics of the Diocese of La Crosse as well as all present here that day, a dispensation from abstinence from meat and meat products.

I encourage all who make use of this dispensation to engage in another sacrificial or charitable act that day.

Most Rev. Bishop William Patrick Callahan