We had a German bishop for ten years, after a number of Irish bishops. If St. Patrick's day fell on a Friday in Lent, the German bishop wouldn't give us the exemption we'd come to expect. Now we have a Mexican-American bishop who seems to be seeking Higher Office, and the jury is out.....

I think the old rules said that Catholics couldn't drink alcohol on certain days during Lent (maybe all days), and that was a very rude imposition. When that rule was in force, I was too young to drink, anyhow. Praise the Lord!!!

-Joe-