Pastoral Statement for the eve of Chinese New Year and Ash Wednesday

Feb 10, 2024

Dear People of God,

This year, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 10 February 2024 and Ash Wednesday 14 February 2024 falls on the fifth day of Chinese New Year.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei in consultation with the Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei offers the following guidance:

1. On Friday February 9, 2024, being the eve of Chinese New Year, dispensation is given from abstinence.

2. The liturgy for the sunset Mass on Saturday February 10, 2024 shall be the liturgy of 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

3. Fast and abstinence shall remain for Ash Wednesday which falls on February 14, 2024.

Wishing you the Lord’s abundant blessings and joyous celebration of the Chinese New Year.

William Cardinal Goh
President
Episcopal Regional Liturgy Commission
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei
January 31, 2024