Michael Brooks
Abstinence is a form of asceticism, a practice of self-denial to grow in holiness. Catholics abstain from meat on days of penance, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Lenten Fridays. Abstinence from meat is required for all Catholics aged 14 and older. While fasting is often accompanied by abstinence, especially during the Lenten season, the distinction between the two remains important. Fasting refers to reducing or refraining from all food for a certain period, while abstinence pertains to giving up a specific type of food, in this case, meat. The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays is making a modest comeback, but for many American Catholics, it isn't a real option as they were never informed it was still a thing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for abstinence | To honour Christ who sacrificed his flesh on a Friday |
| Days of abstinence | Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent |
| Age restrictions | Catholics aged 14 and above |
| Bishops' expectations | That Catholics continue to abstain from meat on Fridays by free choice |
| Alternative practices | Fasting, penance, or eating fish |
| Regional variations | England, Wales, Canada, Australia, and the U.S. have varying norms |
| Eastern Catholic Churches | Follow the particular law of their own sui iuris Church |
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What You'll Learn
Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial
Abstinence from meat on Fridays during Lent is a tradition for Catholics, who also practice self-discipline and fasting in other ways throughout the season. This includes the giving of alms, or sharing God's gifts through the distribution of money, time, and talents. During Lent, Catholics are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptised. It is a period of self-denial and reflection, where Catholics are asked to embrace hunger and do without some of the more indulgent foods that may typically be enjoyed.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays has evolved over time, with some regions and jurisdictions abolishing or altering the tradition. In 1966, U.S. bishops abolished the law of Friday abstinence, expressing their hope that Catholics would continue to abstain from meat by choice. However, this expectation was largely unmet, as many American Catholics were unaware of the expectation to continue the practice. Similarly, in 1985, the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference decreed that Fridays throughout the year, including Lent, were not obligatory days of abstinence from meat, provided an alternative form of penance was practised.
Despite these changes, support for the return of obligatory Friday abstinence has been growing. In 2011, England and Wales reinstated Friday abstinence, and some Australian bishops have also expressed interest in doing the same. Additionally, the U.S. bishops continue to emphasise the importance of Friday as a special day of penitential observance, with a focus on abstinence from flesh meat.
Catholics abstain from meat on specific days as a form of asceticism, denying themselves a physical pleasure to grow in holiness and honour Jesus' sacrifice. While the practice has undergone changes and variations in different regions, it remains an important tradition for many Catholics, particularly during Lent and on other significant days.
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Catholics abstain from meat on days of penance
Abstinence is a form of asceticism, the practice of self-denial to grow in holiness. It is a sober way to practice simplicity and austerity, to deny the cravings of our bodies to honour Jesus, who practised the ultimate form of self-denial when he gave his body for his followers. Catholics abstain from flesh meat on days of penance, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent. Abstinence from meat on Fridays is a tradition that has been observed since the first century, when the day of the crucifixion was marked as a day of abstinence from flesh meat. Canon law calls for abstinence from eating meat on all Fridays of the year, though this is not always practised by Catholics today.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays is not limited to the Lenten season. While fasting is often accompanied by abstinence, especially during Lent, it is important to distinguish between the two. Fasting refers to reducing or completely refraining from all food for a certain period, while abstinence pertains to giving up a specific type of food, in this case, meat. The bishops of the United States have determined that outside of Lent, Catholics may substitute another penance of their choosing instead of abstaining from meat. However, they continue to recommend abstinence on all Fridays for Catholics, particularly those aged 14 and older.
The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is well-known among Catholics. This practice is a form of sacrifice and penance, honouring the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. It is also a way for Catholics to imitate Christ's fast for forty days during Lent. The Lenten season is a period of self-denial and bearing one's cross, where Catholics are called to embrace hunger and forgo luxurious foods, including meat. In addition to abstaining from meat, Catholics are also encouraged to practise self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the Lenten season.
While the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays has been relaxed in some regions, it is still observed in others. In England and Wales, Catholics are expected to abstain from eating the flesh of warm-blooded animals on Fridays if they are able to do so. In Canada, the Catholic bishops have decreed that Fridays are days of abstinence from meat, in addition to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Eastern Catholic Churches observe two major times of fasting: the "Great Fast" before Easter and "Phillip's Fast" before the Nativity, during which meat, dairy products, and sometimes oil are avoided on certain days.
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Abstaining from meat was once a substantial sacrifice
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays is a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church. It is done as a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness and honour Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his flesh on a Friday during the crucifixion. Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is particularly important for Catholics, as it is a period of self-denial and bearing one's cross.
The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays has evolved over time. In 1966, the U.S. bishops abolished the law of Friday abstinence, recognizing that abstaining from meat may no longer be a significant sacrifice for most Westerners. However, they expressed the "hope" and "expectation" that Catholics would continue to abstain from meat by choice.
While the obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays may have been relaxed in some countries, it is still a recommended practice for Catholics. The bishops in England and Wales, for example, expect Catholics to abstain from eating meat on Fridays if they are able to do so.
Abstaining from meat is just one way for Catholics to practice self-discipline and fasting during the Lenten season. It is also common to abstain from meat on other days of penance, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays of Lent. The Eastern Catholic Churches also observe two major times of fasting: the "Great Fast" before Easter and "Phillip's Fast" before the Nativity, during which meat, dairy products, and sometimes oil are avoided on certain days.
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Fish is eaten on Fridays during Lent
Abstinence from meat is one of the oldest traditions in Christianity. Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent, as well as on other days of penance such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness. This practice is based on the idea of denying oneself to honour Jesus, who denied himself for his disciples.
While abstaining from meat, Catholics may choose to eat fish on Fridays during Lent. This tradition is based on the belief that Jesus died on a Friday, and so abstaining from the shedding and consumption of blood seems appropriate. Friday was also the day that God created animals, so abstaining from meat is a symbolic "stay of execution" for cows, pigs, and sheep. Eating fish on Fridays during Lent is also said to be a reminder of one's religious identity and a small act of obedience.
Historically, meat was a luxury and a special treat, so abstaining from it was seen as a sacrifice. In ancient Mediterranean times, during the season of Lent, meat would have been a rare commodity for most people. Therefore, forgoing meat and eating fish instead was a way to observe this day of penance.
In recent times, some Catholics have questioned the practice of eating fish on Fridays during Lent. They argue that meat is no longer a luxury or a special treat, and so abstaining from it is not a meaningful sacrifice. However, the tradition persists, and some Catholics continue to choose fish as their alternative source of protein on Fridays during Lent.
It is important to note that the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is not obligatory for all Catholics. The Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, for example, has decreed that Fridays during Lent are not obligatory days of abstinence from meat as long as an alternative form of penance is practised. Additionally, the bishops of the United States have stated that outside of Lent, Catholics may substitute another penance that is meaningful to them instead of abstaining from meat.
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The bishops abolished the law of Friday abstinence in 1966
Abstinence from meat on Fridays is one of the oldest Christian traditions. It is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, to grow in holiness and honour Jesus, who gave his body for his disciples. The custom was prevalent among Christians from the first century, as the day of the crucifixion.
In 1966, the bishops of the United States abolished the law of Friday abstinence in their jurisdiction. However, it is important to note that they still strongly encouraged Catholics to continue abstaining from meat by choice, rather than in obedience to Church law. The bishops recognised that the need for conversion and salvation remains constant, even if the forms and seasons of penance may vary.
The abolition of the law was motivated by a desire to give the spirit of penance greater vitality, especially on Fridays, the day that Jesus died. While the law was abolished, the bishops emphasised that Friday remains a special day of penance and self-denial, and Catholics are still urged to make it a day of prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
Since the abolition of the law in 1966, obligatory abstinence for the Catholic Church applies only to Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent. Catholics above the age of fourteen are expected to abstain from meat on these days, although they may choose to substitute another form of penance that is meaningful to them.
While the law is no longer in place, many Catholics continue to view Friday abstinence as a meaningful way to connect with their religious identity and heritage.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Catholics do not abstain from meat on feast days. Feast days are a time to celebrate and Catholics are allowed to eat meat on these days. However, Catholics are expected to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during Lent, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Ember Days.
Abstinence is a form of asceticism, which is the practice of self-denial to grow in holiness. Abstaining from meat is a way to honour Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on Good Friday.
Yes, in addition to abstaining from meat, Catholics are also expected to fast on certain days. Fasting refers to reducing or completely refraining from all food for a period of time. During the fast period before Christmas, some Catholics avoid meat, dairy, eggs, and oil.
