Yes, you read that correctly. Tomorrow is not just a Friday but a “Meat Friday”. Why? Well, as the Church’s Code of Canon Law (Can. 1251) states: “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday.” And tomorrow, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Now, that’s a big reason to celebrate!
So please feel free to enjoy some meat tomorrow and, while feasting, do offer a toast to Our Blessed Mother who, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God, and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, was preserved immune from all stain of original sin. Or just raise your glass heavenward and proclaim with filial love and gratitude: "Ave Maria!"
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!
* Image: Roast Beef of Old England by James Lobley (1828–1888), Bradford Museums and Galleries.