[Maximilian]

the Episcopal Conference (the NCCB/USCCB) has allowed (per Can. 1253) the substitution of some other form of penance. Nevertheless, the requirement of some penance remains.

There is no requirement. See Sneer's post #53. Sneer if you have a link to the USCCB webpage where you found the info, it would be appreciated.

[Sneer]

The link I found is http://www.secondexodus.com/html/catholicdefinitions/fridayabstinence.html

I sent this privately as I am new to this and don't know how to include your request in italics as all of you are doing. If you could give me an explanation on how to do that it would be appreciated. I am still having problems with the "authority" of the USCCB in completely removing the discipline of our Holy Church as to the requirement of penance on Friday. The explanation as to it being purely ecclestical law and therefore allowing for the dispensation seems to open a Pandora's box for me. Is priestly celbacy for instance a purely ecclestical law? How many others have never been tested?