Letter from the Archbishop 
granting a dispensation from the obligation to attend mass on 1st January 2001

December 1 2000.

Dear Monsignor/Father/Deacon/Brother/Sister

THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY MOTHER OF GOD

Peace and Blessings in the Lord.

As you know, one of the three Holydays of Obligation for the territory of the Southern Africa Catholic Bishops' Conference is the Solemnity of Mary,  Mother of God which is celebrated on January 1.

I wish to inform you that in virtue of the provisions of canon 87,§1, I have granted a dispensation to the effect that for this Archdiocese assistance at Mass on this Solemnity on Monday, January 1, 2001 is not an obligation for the faithful. I have granted this dispensation only after careful consideration, believing that it will contribute to the spiritual welfare of the faithful, many of whom will not have access to a Catholic church during the holiday season.

I ask you, however, to encourage the faithful, in so far as they can, to assist at Mass on this important Solemnity which marks the beginning of a new year and world day of prayer for peace. May I also remind you that I shall be celebrating the Mass of the Solemnity in St Mary's Cathedral at midnight, commencing at 11.55pm on Sunday, December 31, 2000.

With every good wish and prayer.

Yours sincerely in Christ

+Lawrence Henry
Archbishop of Cape Town