| Under the norms before
the Council, certain Wednesdays and Saturdays, called
Ember Days, were special penitential days, of partial
abstinence (meat could be taken only at the principal
meal), and of fast (one main main and two smaller
meals, together not equal to the main meal). They were
celebrated in Advent, in Lent, after Pentecost and in
connection with the Triumph of the Cross (September 14).
Rogation Days were days of prayer for God's forgiveness
and for the bounty of the land. There were celebrated on
April 25th, and on the three days before the Solemnity of
the Ascension. Within the Church, these days continue
to be observed on the liturgical calendar by those using
the Indult to follow the Tridentine liturgical
regulations. However, while they do not occupy fixed days
on the calendar of the current Roman Rite, the General
Instruction provides for the establishment of such
days by episcopal conferences. As adapted to the United
States the text reads,
373... Days or periods of prayer for the fruits of
the earth, prayer for human rights and equality,
prayer for world justice and peace, and penitential
observances outside Lent are to be observed in the
dioceses of the United States of America at times to
be designated by the Diocesan Bishop.In all the
dioceses of the United States of America, January 22
(or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday)
shall be observed as a particular day of penance for
violations to the dignity of the human person
committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer
for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of
the right to life. The Mass "For Peace and Justice"
(no. 21 of the "Masses for Various Needs") should be
celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate
liturgical observance for this day.
394... In the drawing up of the calendar of a
nation, the Rogation and Ember Days should be
indicated (cf. above, no. 373), as well as the forms
and texts for their celebration, and other special
measures should also be taken into consideration.
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