Fasting and Abstinence from Meat During Lent

The obligatory days of fasting and abstinence from meat, mainly Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, are observed by Catholics and other Christian denominations as a penance and prayer to receive the Easter graces. 

 

Fasting is defined as eating one full meal and two smaller meals that don’t make up a full meal. In addition to fasting, we also abstain from meat, especially on the two Holy Days of obligation mentioned above, but also on all Fridays of Lent.

 

These sacrifices are for all Catholics ages 14-59 and are a practice to help us grow in our love for the Lord during this time.