MSB Bishops’ Conference gives dispensation from fasting and abstinence for Lunar New Year 2018

PLENTONG, Johor – In a circular dated 30 Oct 2017, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei has decided to give dispensation from abstinence from meat and fasting on 16 Feb 2018 in view of the Lunar New Year, a decision made during its meeting in January 2017.

The first day of the Lunar New Year falls on Feb 16, the Friday after Ash Wednesday (Feb 14).

Ash Wednesday ushers in the penitential season of Lent and is one of the two days when fasting (21-60 years old) and abstinence (14 yrs and above) are required.  All Fridays are days of abstinence throughout the year unless they are solemnities.

The circular was signed by Bishop Sebastian Francis of Penang, currently the president of the bishops’ conference.