Cardinal McCarrick Urges Catholics to Fast

To Bring an End to War in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, D.C., OCT. 12, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Theodore McCarrick urged all Catholics in his Archdiocese of Washington to fast one day a week until the conflict in Afghanistan ends.

The Associated Press reported that the cardinal made his appeal during a Mass at St. Matthew's Cathedral here, saying it would be a fitting way to remember those who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"I am asking all the Catholic people of the Archdiocese of Washington to fast at least once a week, one day, according to the usual norms of the Church, and to continue that holy practice of mortification and penance as long as this war goes on," the cardinal said.

Spokeswoman Susan Gibbs said the fast allows for one regular meal and two small meals that do not equal a regular meal.

Although the choice of the day has been left to each individual, Cardinal McCarrick recommended Friday.

Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
12. oktober 2001