Yes, you read that correctly. This Friday is not just any old Friday but a “Meat Friday”. What? Let us explain:
The Church’s Code of Canon Law (Can. 1251) states: “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday.”
Catholics in the United States are also permitted to substitute some other penitential observance in the place of abstinence from meat on Fridays.
This Friday is the Feast of All Saints. That's most definitely a solemnity, the Church’s highest rank of feast day.
Thus, despite it being a Friday, we are dismissed from the requirement to abstain from meat, or do something else penitential, in remembrance of Christ's passion and death upon Good Friday.
So, now you know! Do have a very happy, holy and, if you so choose, meaty feast day this Friday.
* Image: Roast Beef of Old England by James Lobley (1828–1888), Bradford Museums and Galleries.