According to the Archdiocese of Manila, Roman Catholics of Chinese descent are exempt from Lenten obligations on Lunar New Year, which falls on a Friday this year, February 16, after Ash Wednesday, which kicks off the Lenten season.

During Lent, Catholics typically abstain from certain foods every Friday until Easter.

However, in a circular signed by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, they noted, “[We] grant dispensation from the Lenten discipline of abstinence to our Chinese-Filipino and Chinese Catholics in the Archdiocese of Manila and their guests on February 16, 2018.”

Tagle added, those exempt on that day must still conduct some form of penance, which includes charitable acts for those in need./PLL, WDJ