| The Lenten season begins February 9 with
Ash Wednesday and continues for 40 days. Here are the regulations
and guidelines Catholics are asked to follow during the season
of Lent:
• The Christian faithful are to do penance through
prayer and fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of
piety and charity. All Fridays through the year, especially
during Lent, are penitential days.
• Abstinence: All who have reached their 14th birthday
are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and on all
Fridays of Lent.
• Fasting: All those who are 18 or older, until their
59th birthday are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Only one full meal is allowed on days of fast. Two other meals,
sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to
one’s need; but together, they should not equal another
full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids
are allowed.
The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability
to work would be affected seriously. People in doubt about
fast or abstinence should consult a priest.
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