Q. 1. What is the Catholic meaning of "Fat Tuesday?"

A. 1. "Fat Tuesday" is synonym to "Mardi Gras", "Shrove Tuesday" and "Paczki Day" (Polish). Shrove Tuesday derives from the word "shrive" which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of the Sacrament of Confession and doing penance.

This day refers to the events of the Carnival celebrations that begin on or after the Christian Feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday.

"Fat Tuesday" reflects the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season that begins on Ash Wednesday. People eat all they want of everything and anything they want. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a long fasting period for Christians. Nowhere on earth is "Fat Tuesday" celebrated more than on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.