Mandatory Fast in Arlington?

[PaulinVA]

So, the Bishop of Arlington, VA has declared today, 15 March, as a day of prayer and fasting for the health care bill.

But, he was ambiguous is his letter as to whether this is voluntary or mandatory.

The letter is here: arlingtondiocese.org/documents/day_of_prayer_fasting_web_version.pdf .

The paragraph I am not sure of is this:

As negotiations that are now underway could lead to further Congressional action very soon, in
accord with Canon 1244, paragraph 2, I invite you to take part in a day of prayer and fasting on
Monday, March 15 for protecting the life, dignity, health and conscience rights of every human
person in any legislation that Congress considers. I also invite Catholics to pray and fast for this
intention beyond March 15.

So, he is inviting us to pray and fast. Is this mandatory?

 

[purplesunshine]

by the reading of the word “invite” and the fact that he’s just a bishop I’m pretty sure it is voulentary. Remember we don’t fast just to not eat but in a call to a deeper spiritual life. And when we are deeply moving with God we can move towards aiding our fellow man by being a voice for mankind, just as Moses sacraficed on behalf of the isarelites.

 

[Belloc_Fan]

Bp. Loverde addressed this in his letter: “Although the law of fasting binds persons age 18 through 59, anyone can voluntarily fast.”

So if you’re between 18-59, it’s mandatory. If you’re not, it’s voluntary.

 

[PaulinVA]

Bp. Loverde addressed this in his letter: “Although the law of fasting binds persons age 18 through 59, anyone can voluntarily fast.”

So if you’re between 18-59, it’s mandatory. If you’re not, it’s voluntary.

Yes, but the letter “invites” me to fast.

The good Bishop should have said, “I have declared a day of mandatory fasting and prayer for the health care bill”.

While the law of fasting does bind those 10-59, did he invoke it by inviting me to fast?

 

[Belloc_Fan]

Yes, but the letter “invites” me to fast.

The good Bishop should have said, “I have declared a day of mandatory fasting and prayer for the health care bill”.

While the law of fasting does bind those 10-59, did he invoke it by inviting me to fast?

He’s inviting everyone, whether they’re in the age limits or not, and whether they’re in the diocese or not. But he’s also made it clear, with citation to Canon Law, that he’s doing this in his authority as bishop, not simply as a guy with a good idea. That means it’s binding on you and I, since we’re in his diocese. Further, why would he bring up that it’s mandatory for those aged 10-59, if he didn’t mean it to be mandatory?

His letter makes it clear that while the law of fasting is only mandatory for those aged 10-59, he wants to go beyond that: get people to voluntarily join him, and get people to go beyond the fast to do things like “offering a Rosary, prayers at Mass, time spent in Eucharistic Adoration or other forms of prayer for this important intention.”

I think you’re putting too much stock in the lone word “inviting,” particularly given the rest of the context. If I may ask, why are you insistent on this point? Are you not wanting to fast for some reason?

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Based on the wording of the announcement at Mass this Sunday, I took this to be binding on all Catholics in the diocese within the usual age range. Since my CCD class will be going to Stations today anyway, that helps me with my additional prayers as well.

 

[PaulinVA]

I think you’re putting too much stock in the lone word “inviting,” particularly given the rest of the context. If I may ask, why are you insistent on this point? Are you not wanting to fast for some reason?

I am indeed fasting.

However, my wife and I were discussing this last night, because she was unsure. You do not “invite” someone to do something if you are exercising your canonical authority to require that it be done. You “require” people to do it.

My main problem is the Bishop seems to be unwilling to use stronger language, unequivocal language.

 

[Dorothy]

So, the Bishop of Arlington, VA has declared today, 15 March, as a day of prayer and fasting for the health care bill.

But, he was ambiguous is his letter as to whether this is voluntary or mandatory.

The letter is here: arlingtondiocese.org/documents/day_of_prayer_fasting_web_version.pdf .

The paragraph I am not sure of is this:

So, he is inviting us to pray and fast. Is this mandatory?

It doesn’t sound mandatory at all. He is “inviting” as he said. It is a good suggestion.