It was nice living in Massachusetts in the days of strict observances. The Archbishop of Boston always granted a "day off" from the rules on St. Patrick's Day!
Children (to age 12), pregnant women, and those over 60 were not expected or required to observe the Lenten fast.
On Good Friday there was "The Great Silence" from noon to 3 p.m., purportedly the three hours Christ hung on the cross. And food was very limited : maximum of four ounces of meat, no sweets, coffee, or tea.
The military was governed by the Cardinal Archbishop of New York as he was the official top Chaplain for the military (RCs that is) and the military was exempt from all Lenten rule. Neat-o! The chaplains always advised the armed Forces to "use the exemption" or lose it!"
