Brenda Khan
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence from meat at various times each year. Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day and two smaller meals, known as collations. This practice is meant to help Catholics grow closer to God and perform penance for their sins. The term catholic diet can also refer to catholicism without the god, a way of thinking about food that aligns with Catholic anthropology, or a broad and wide-ranging diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of fasting | On mandatory fasting days, Catholics may eat only one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations" |
| Drinks during fasting | Beverages, including water and alcohol, are not restricted |
| Non-dietary abstinence | In some Western countries, Catholics have been encouraged to give up text messaging for Lent |
| Eucharistic Fast | Latin Church Catholics cannot eat or drink anything but water or medicine in the hour before receiving the Eucharist |
| Age requirements | The law of fasting applies to those who have attained their majority until the beginning of the sixtieth year |
| Age exceptions | From the age of 14, all Latin Church Catholics are required to observe the laws of abstinence |
| Days of abstinence | All Fridays of the year, except when a Solemnity falls on a Friday |
| Exceptions | The Episcopal Conferences can propose adjustments of the laws on fasting and abstinence for their home territories |
| Purpose | Fasting is seen as a way to grow closer to God and perform penance for sins |
| Food as fuel | Catholics are encouraged to view food as fuel for their bodies rather than an emotional tie |
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What You'll Learn
Fasting and abstinence
According to Catholic teachings, bodily fasting should be accompanied by spiritual avoidance of sin to have meaning. The current Canon Law does not specify the nature of "fasting," but traditionally, on mandatory fasting days, Catholics are allowed one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations," during the day. It is important to note that church requirements on fasting apply only to solid food, and there are no restrictions on the consumption of beverages, including water and alcoholic drinks.
In addition to the regular fasts, Catholics must observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine into the body for one hour before receiving the Eucharist. This practice is rooted in the belief that receiving the Eucharist regularly can lead to spiritual upliftment, a strengthening of the soul, and a deeper understanding of God's ways.
The Latin Church, which comprises most Catholics, follows the rules established in the 1966 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI, Paenitemini, and the 1983 Code of Canon Law. According to these rules, both abstinence and fasting are required on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and, if possible, throughout Holy Saturday. Additionally, all Fridays of the year, except when a Solemnity falls on a Friday, are bound by the law of abstinence.
The Episcopal Conferences have been given the authority to propose adjustments to the laws on fasting and abstinence for their respective territories. For example, in England, the norm is abstinence on all Fridays, with an emphasis on refraining from flesh meat. In 2010, the Irish Bishops' Conference published a resource leaflet titled "Friday Penance," encouraging Irish Catholics to offer fasting, prayer, Scripture reading, and works of mercy for the renewal of the Church in Ireland.
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Canon Law
The period of canonical history known as the ius antiquum ("ancient law") extends from the foundation of the Church to the time of Gratian (mid-12th century). This period can be further divided into three periods: the time of the apostles to the death of Pope Gelasius I (AD 496), the end of the 5th century to the spurious collection of the 9th century, and the last up to the time of Gratian (mid-12th century). In the Early Church, the first canons were decreed by bishops united in "Ecumenical" councils (the Emperor summoning all of the known world's bishops to attend with at least the acknowledgement of the Bishop of Rome) or "local" councils (bishops of a region or territory). Over time, these canons were supplemented with decretals of the Bishops of Rome, which were responses to doubts or problems according to the maxim, "Roma locuta est, causa finita est" ("Rome has spoken, the case is closed").
The canon law of the Catholic Church has all the ordinary elements of a mature legal system: laws, courts, lawyers, and judges. It is articulated in the legal code for the Latin Church as well as a code for the Eastern Catholic Churches. Canon law has principles of legal interpretation, and coercive penalties. It lacks civilly-binding force in most secular jurisdictions. Those who are skilled in canon law are called canonists (or colloquially, canon lawyers).
Fasting and abstinence are a key part of Catholic canon law. For example, in the early 20th century, Church law prescribed fasting throughout Lent, with abstinence only on Friday and Saturday. Some countries received dispensations: Rome in 1918 allowed the bishops of Ireland to transfer the Saturday obligation to Wednesday; in the United States, abstinence was not required on Saturday. The other weekdays were simply days of "fasting without abstinence." A similar practice (common in the United States after the norms for abstinence were adopted in 1951) was called "partial abstinence", which allowed meat only once during the day at the main meal. There is nothing in current Catholic Canon Law which corresponds to "partial abstinence".
According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law, on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and, where possible, throughout Holy Saturday, both abstinence and fasting are required of Catholics who are not exempted for various reasons. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their majority until the beginning of their sixtieth year. At that age, a person is automatically excused from the requirement to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, but, if health permits, they may choose to participate in the fast. According to canon 1252 of the Code of Canon Law, all Latin Church Catholics are required to observe the laws of abstinence starting at the age of 14.
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Penance
According to the Catholic Church, bodily fasting is meaningless unless it is accompanied by spiritual abstinence from sin. Catholics observe the disciplines of fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various times each year. Fasting refers to the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat.
On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and, where possible, throughout Holy Saturday, both abstinence and fasting are required. Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day and may have two smaller meals, known as "collations". Additionally, on Fridays throughout the year, Catholics are required to observe abstinence, with the exception of Fridays that coincide with a Solemnity. In some Western countries, Catholics have been encouraged to adopt non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent, such as giving up text messaging.
The practice of penance through bodily abstention and fasting is meant to train the soul and prevent it from becoming bloated with excessive concerns about earthly things. It is a way to turn one's focus upward toward heavenly goals and away from worldly affairs, representing a spiritual conversion and a "letting go" of earthly attachments.
In addition to bodily penance, spiritual penance is also important. This can include prayer, reading Scripture, and performing works of mercy. By engaging in these practices, Catholics believe they can attain spiritual fitness and draw closer to God.
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Eucharist
The Eucharist, derived from the Greek word "eucharistia", meaning "thanksgiving", is a Christian rite considered a sacraments in most churches and an ordinance in others. It is the central act of Christian worship and is practised by most Christian churches in some form. The Eucharist is also called Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament, or the Lord's Supper.
The Eucharist is a ritual commemoration of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion. During the Last Supper, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples and, during this meal, instituted the sacrament of his Body and Blood. He commanded them to "do this in memory of me", referring to the bread as "my body" and the cup of wine as "the blood of my covenant, which is poured out for many".
The bread and wine used in the Eucharist become the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist. The Body of Christ under the appearance of bread that is kept or "reserved" after the Mass is commonly referred to as the "Blessed Sacrament".
The Eucharist is a mystery because it participates in the mystery of Jesus Christ and God's plan to save humanity through Christ. The "presence" of Jesus in the elements of bread and wine has been variously interpreted in actual, figurative, or symbolic senses. However, the sacramental sense, as the memorial before God of the sacrificial offering on the cross, has always been accepted.
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Corporal and spiritual avoidance of sin
The Catholic Church observes fasting and abstinence (from meat) at various points throughout the year. Fasting refers to the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, such as meat. According to the Church, bodily fasting should be accompanied by spiritual avoidance of sin.
On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and, if possible, throughout Holy Saturday, both abstinence and fasting are required. All Fridays of the year, except when a Solemnity falls on a Friday, are bound by the law of abstinence. In Western countries, Catholics have been encouraged to adopt non-dietary forms of abstinence during Lent, such as giving up text messaging.
The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged by God to perform penance for their sins, and these acts of penance can be both personal and corporeal. Canon law requires Latin Church Catholics to observe the laws of abstinence starting at the age of 14. The law of fasting, on the other hand, applies until the beginning of the sixtieth year, after which individuals are automatically excused from fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
The practice of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church is rooted in the belief that it helps individuals grow closer to God and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. It is seen as a way to strengthen the soul, lift the spirit, and bring about a mindset shift, encouraging Catholics to view food as fuel for their bodies rather than an emotional crutch.
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Frequently asked questions
A Catholic diet refers to the religious practices of fasting and abstinence observed by the Catholic Church. Fasting involves reducing one's intake of food to one full meal and two smaller meals, while abstinence refers to refraining from meat and other indulgences.
According to Canon Law, Catholics may eat only one full meal and two smaller meals, known as "collations," on days of mandatory fasting. This law applies to those between the ages of majority and the beginning of their sixtieth year.
The Catholic Church teaches that all people are obliged to perform penance for their sins through acts of abstinence. Abstinence is required on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and, if possible, Holy Saturday. Additionally, Fridays throughout the year are considered days of abstinence, with an emphasis on refraining from meat.
The Catholic diet is not just about food choices but also about spiritual growth and discipline. It is a lifestyle change that encourages a mindset shift, emphasizing the dignity and health of the body as essential to our overall identity.
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