Holy Saturday/Divine Mercy

[Laura_B]

Hi:
I’m a cradle Catholic but it seems I’ve heard differing views on whether Holy Saturday is a day of fasting and/or abstinence?

Also, why is it that Divine Mercy Sunday is not so designated at all churches? One parish near us has an afternoon full of Divine Mercy events while the others don’t even mention it (Same with First Fridays and Saturdays, I might add.

Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JMJ_coder]

Laura B:

Hi:
I’m a cradle Catholic but it seems I’ve heard differing views on whether Holy Saturday is a day of fasting and/or abstinence?

Hello,

There are only two days in the year that Catholics are required as a precept of the Church to fast. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The days required as a precept to abstain from meat are Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent.

All other Fridays of the year are penitential days which used to be taken as abstinence. The Church has since let the faithful decide for themselves what penance they will perform on those days.

So Holy Saturday is not a day of fast or abstain from meat, however, these could be done anyway as a pious act.
Laura B:

Also, why is it that Divine Mercy Sunday is not so designated at all churches? One parish near us has an afternoon full of Divine Mercy events while the others don’t even mention it (Same with First Fridays and Saturdays, I might add.

It should be so designated. On April 30, 2000 the Holy Father, John Paul II gave to the Universal Church on the occasion of the canonization of Saint Faustina the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. It was issued in the decree “Misericors et miserator” by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on May 5, 2000. It is to be celebrated on the Second Sunday of Easter.

I can only guess why they wouldn’t have any devotions for First Fridays or Saturdays, but Divine Mercy Sunday must be observed.

I hope this helps.