On March 19th we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. We do so in this Year of St. Joseph:  In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph.” It is a wonderful opportunity to increase our love for St. Joseph and knowledge, “to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal" (Patris Corde)

Since this Solemnity (Solemn Feast Day) falls on a Friday the law of abstinence from meat and meat products does not apply on Friday, March 19 this year.