Who is lent

These practices are disciplinary in nature and often more effective if they are continuous, i. That being said, such practices are not regulated by the Church, but by individual conscience. Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs all of which live on land.

Birds are also considered meat. Abstinence does not include meat juices and liquid foods made from meat. Thus, such foods as chicken broth, consomme, soups cooked or flavored with meat, meat gravies or sauces, as well as seasonings or condiments made from animal fat are technically not forbidden. However, moral theologians have traditionally taught that we should abstain from all animal-derived products except foods such as gelatin, butter, cheese and eggs, which do not have any meat taste.

Fish are a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, cold-blooded animals and shellfish are permitted. While fish, lobster, and other shellfish are not considered meat and can be consumed on days of abstinence, indulging in the lavish buffet at your favorite seafood place sort of misses the point. Abstaining from meat and other indulgences during Lent is a penitential practice. On the Fridays of Lent, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Good Friday and unite ourselves with that sacrifice through abstinence and prayer.

Fasting on these days means we can have only one full, meatless meal. Some food can be taken at the other regular meal times if necessary but combined they should be less than a full meal.

Liquids are allowed at any time, but no solid food should be consumed between meals. Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting. What is Lent? Wednesday, March 2, - Thursday, April 14, Shop Now Browse your favorite books in our store. Lent Calendar - Spanish. Prayer "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.

Therese of Lisieux CCC During Lent, we are asked to devote ourselves to seeking the Lord in prayer and reading Scripture, to service by giving alms, and to practice self-control through fasting. Cyril of Alexandria d. Finally, Pope St. Leo d. One can safely conclude that by the end of the fourth century, the day period of Easter preparation known as Lent existed, and that prayer and fasting constituted its primary spiritual exercises.

Of course, the number "40" has always had special spiritual significance regarding preparation. On Mount Sinai, preparing to receive the Ten Commandments, "Moses stayed there with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights, without eating any food or drinking any water" Ex Most importantly, Jesus fasted and prayed for "40 days and 40 nights" in the desert before He began His public ministry Mt Once the 40 days of Lent were established, the next development concerned how much fasting was to be done.

In Jerusalem, for instance, people fasted for 40 days, Monday through Friday, but not on Saturday or Sunday, thereby making Lent last for eight weeks. In Rome and in the West, people fasted for six weeks, Monday through Saturday, thereby making Lent last for six weeks.

Eventually, the practice prevailed of fasting for six days a week over the course of six weeks, and Ash Wednesday was instituted to bring the number of fast days before Easter to The rules of fasting varied.

First, some areas of the Church abstained from all forms of meat and animal products, while others made exceptions for food like fish. For example, Pope St. Gregory d. Augustine of Canterbury, issued the following rule: "We abstain from flesh, meat, and from all things that come from flesh, as milk, cheese and eggs. Don't act like a Pharisee looking for a loophole.

Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors.

Share Flipboard Email. Mary Fairchild. Christianity Expert. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry. Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated February 03, Cite this Article Format. Fairchild, Mary. Learn What Lent Means to Christians. How to Determine the Date of Ash Wednesday. The Liturgical Seasons of the Catholic Church. Meatless Recipes for Lent and Throughout the Year. Your Privacy Rights.