Catholics in the Archdio cese of Boston and the Dio cese of Fall River will be able to enjoy corned beef -- or any other meat -- on St. Patrick's Day.

Both Cardinal-designate Sean O'Malley of Boston and Bishop George Coleman of Fall River have dispensed Catholics in their dioceses from the Lenten obligation to abstain from meat this Fri -day so they can celebrate the feast of St. Patrick.

The two dioceses encom pass the 10 communities in The Sun Chronicle area.

Pastors were notified of the dispensation and have informed their parishioners of the release from the Lenten obligation.

Bishops in many other dioceses in the U.S. have made similar pronounce ments. Catholics who choose to eat meat Friday are being urged to make some other form of sacrifice in keeping with the spirit of the Lenten season.

A number of bishops issued similar dispensations the last time St. Patrick's Day fell on a Friday in 2000, including O'Malley, who was then bishop in Fall River.