AT the recent meeting of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Cardinal George Pell reflected on the role of fasting and penance within various religious traditions.
In his address, His Eminence congratulated the hierarchy of England and Wales for the reintroduction of compulsory abstinence from the eating of meat on Fridays.
When the Church in Australia decided to abolish the mandatory prohibition from the eating of meat on Fridays, the faithful were advised that instead of undertaking this penance, they were obliged to undertake another specific penance or sacrifice.
It is open to conjecture as to whether the faithful are undertaking such regular and specific penances or sacrifices.
It is within the competence of the Church in Australia to follow the example of the English and Welsh hierarchy and oblige the faithful to abstain from the eating of meat on Fridays.
The reintroduction of this penance would be timely and would be a reminder to the faithful that we must all undertake fasts and do penance for our sins.
JEFF AHERN
Carina, Qld
