Abstaining from Creamed Tuna

Today is a special day, the feast (solemnity) of St. Joseph, within the year of St. Joseph!  Wow, that’s quite the occasion!  For this special day, a friend of ours brought over a beautiful, if smelly, bouquet of roses to put by his statue.  Since Mass is not currently in our chapel, but in another location, I brought a smaller statue of this special man over from the convent. 
 
As I left Before Mass, I brought the roses over to the spot, where I had set up a stand for the statue.  It looked nice, and helped make the day special.  We also sang the entrance antiphon, Gloria, and some other Mass parts, which was nice as well. 
 
After Mass, we started talking about the repercussions of having a solemnity on a Friday during Lent.  We were quite sure that the day’s status as solemnity (pretty much the highest rank on the Liturgical calendar) trumped the normal rule of Lenten Friday abstinence.  As I told another Sister, “I’m about 98% sure, but there’s a 2% uncertainty margin.” 
 
We decided to call the local parish, where the deacon confirmed our suspicions.  So, we think we’re safe in eating meat today.  I’m personally, not a real meat lover, but that’s beside the point, I guess.
 
With the COVID precautions, our social outings have been pretty much eliminated this past year.  In fact, we still have some gift cards for Panera (as well as other establishments) in a chest of drawers at our convent.  Sr. Elaine had the “scathingly brilliant” (as we like to say in fun) idea of making use of this tonight. 
 
I wondered what was on the menu here, what we would be missing if she stopped by Panera. 
 
Upon walking over to the dining room window, where the weekly menu is displayed, I learned that our dietary staff will be serving “Creamed Tuna over Toast.” 
 
Oh my!  With very little reluctance, in honor of the solemnity, I will abstain from that delicacy.

Happy Feast Day!

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