Sometimes Grok can identify the facts of a matter. This is what it says:
Historical Background
The claim has a kernel of historical truth but is outdated and overstated:
- In 1089, Pope Urban II granted a dispensation from Friday abstinence (from meat) to parts of Spain as a privilege tied to their role in the Crusades/Reconquista, under the framework of the Bula de la Cruzada (Crusade Bulls). These bulls provided various spiritual and practical privileges to supporters of the fight against Muslim forces in Iberia.
- After the Christian victory at the Battle of Lepanto (October 7, 1571)—a major naval defeat of the Ottoman fleet by the Holy League (including Spain, Venice, and the Papal States under Pope St. Pius V)—Pius V extended or confirmed similar privileges to the entire Spanish Empire, including its colonies in the New World. This was in gratitude for Spain's key role in the battle and its ongoing defense of Christendom. The dispensation allowed Catholics in Spanish territories to be exempt from the universal rule of Friday abstinence.
This created a long-standing exception for much of the Spanish-speaking world (Spain and its former colonies in Latin America).
What Changed: The Dispensation Was Revoked
The old privilege did not last indefinitely:
- In the mid-20th century, the Vatican encouraged uniformity in penitential practices across the Church.
- Mexico had the exemption lifted around 1949–1950.
- In the United States, territories with historic Spanish roots (e.g., the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico, and dioceses like El Paso and Gallup) ended it in 1951, with the last holdout (Santa Fe) rescinding the privilege that year.
- Similar changes applied elsewhere in former Spanish colonies.
Evidently, the dispensations were revoked prior to Vatican 2. Apparently, even areas in the United States where a dispensation had been in effect, the dispensation ended in 1951.
While Grok is not the final law on the matter, the fact that
absolutely no hand missal printed in the United States from the 1950s onward say anything about any dispensations for Friday Abstinence for any location. And even if there were a few dioceses that had that dispensation at one time, none of them are part of a Spanish empire today and such dispensations don't extend to individuals according to their heritage.
Topic: Never trust a Hispanic who throws away religion (Read 1078 times)