Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the most important penitential days of the year. They are days of both fast and abstinence. All the Fridays of Lent are also days of abstinence.
The rule of fasting states that only one full meal may be taken per day. Two small meals, “sufficient to maintain strength,” are allowed but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals breaks the fast, but drinking liquid does not. The rule of fasting obliges all Catholics from 18 through 59 years of age.
Abstinence refers to the eating of the meat of warm-blooded animals (beef, lamb, chicken, pork). Under the present law it does not include meat broth or gravies. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years of age or older. On days of abstinence, those who are eating in a school cafeteria may eat meat if it is served to them and there is no other main dish to choose.
The observance of the laws of fast and abstinence are a serious obligation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Monsignor Voity.
The Concho Padre
THE CONCHO PADRE POST 