J
JPCalifornia
Guest
I saw the news about the carnival and I wanted to know what is the position of the church?
That celebration is very worldly.
That celebration is very worldly.
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C
Corki
Guest
Which Carnival?
The word Carnival comes from the Latin for “farewell to meat” and is a traditional celebration before the fasting and abstinance of the Lenten season. The origns are very Catholic. Of course it is worldly since it is focused on the worldly things we give up during Lent which traditionally included such things as meat, rich foods, sweets and even dancing.
The Church’s positon is that a celebration prior to Lent (and after, during the Easter season) is a great idea. Any immoral activity is, of course, not the intent of the Catholic celebration and would still be sinful, even during Carnival.
The word Carnival comes from the Latin for “farewell to meat” and is a traditional celebration before the fasting and abstinance of the Lenten season. The origns are very Catholic. Of course it is worldly since it is focused on the worldly things we give up during Lent which traditionally included such things as meat, rich foods, sweets and even dancing.
The Church’s positon is that a celebration prior to Lent (and after, during the Easter season) is a great idea. Any immoral activity is, of course, not the intent of the Catholic celebration and would still be sinful, even during Carnival.
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Dorothy
Guest
Mardi Gras grew to be something very worldly and is not promoted by the Church. Where I live they make a big deal out of Mardi Gras with parades and partying and much drinking. (and I don’t live in New Orleans.) This is not the mind of the Church.
It is my understanding that “Fat Tuesday” or “Shrove Tuesday” was when families cooked the meat that was available in the house, and had a bigger meal than usual, because Lent was beginning.
If anything, Mardi Gras type celebrations make a mockery of what the Church intends, and detracts from the focus of Lent.
It is my understanding that “Fat Tuesday” or “Shrove Tuesday” was when families cooked the meat that was available in the house, and had a bigger meal than usual, because Lent was beginning.
If anything, Mardi Gras type celebrations make a mockery of what the Church intends, and detracts from the focus of Lent.
P
peary
Guest
Rio de Janeiro in Brazil has the world’s largest Carnival. It goes on for five days, beginning the Friday before Ash Wednesday and going to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Most of Europe celebrates Carnivale, based on the same. In France, it is called Mardi Gras and also in New Orleans. Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” and it means you fill up and eat and ‘indulge’ before you fast for 6 weeks.
The Church has always encouraged people to celebrate life, but to keep everything in ‘moderation’. And stay away from sin, by the way.
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raaucoin
Guest
I live in New orleans metro area. No the Church doesn’t intend the kind of behavior that usually gets national/worldwide attention-public drunkenness; nudity,immoral behavior etc. etc. etc.But believe it or not, that is NOT what most natives of New orleans, Louisiana or the Gulf Coast participate in.( Of Course there are some but not the majority)
Mardi Gras serves for many as a time of reunions of families and friends. Often it is a time of reconciliation in relationships. It is a time where many of the “haves” will sit on the grass and celebrate, eat and drink with many of the “have nots”. I’ve even witnessed people who other wise wouldn’t have connected offer and receive jobs, friendship, and help in some area of life. And yes, Mardi Gras afforded that opportunity. That sure sounds to me like what the Church intends.
Just an interesting point to note: Mardi Gras attracts folks from all over the world. Most of the craziness you see or hear about is done by out of towners .Not all, but most New Orleanians are very aware that Ya Momma an’ em will probably hear about ya misbehavin, Dawlin. So we Know we betta behave.-Maybe we could end some of that stuff if arrests for lewd behavior were published in the offenders home town newspaper!
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Joe_Kelley
Guest
Note that while Mardi Gras and Carnival refer to a final celebration and food, Shrove Tuesday refers to an ancient custom of confessing [being shriven of ones sins] on that day. One confessed on Tuesday, received ones sack cloth and ashes and began his penance on Ash Wednesday, and was absolved and welcomed back at the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. In ancient times the period of penance for serious sin might extend over several Lents before one was welcomed back.
A
adstrinity
Guest
I’d also like to point out, that (I’ve heard), Midnight, Ash Wednesday, Bourbon Street is cleared by the police because Lent has begun. The unscroupulous go to bars to continue, but, the reason for the clearing is because it is Lent and therefore the party is over.
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