In the past, Catholics were traditionally asked to abstain from meat on Fridays as a form of penance and a way to remember the suffering and death of Jesus on Good Friday.
These days, fish was often seen as a suitable alternative to meat, and this practice became known as “observing the Friday fast.”
However, the Church has since revised its guidelines for Friday fasting. In the Code of Canon Law, the Church states that Catholics are asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent. On other Fridays throughout the year, there is no requirement for Catholics to abstain from meat or to observe any other form of fasting.
That being said, it is still common for Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays as a way of practicing penance and remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. Catholics may choose to eat fish on Fridays as a way of observing this tradition. Others may choose to abstain from meat on Fridays for personal or spiritual reasons or to show solidarity with those who do not have access to various food options.
Ultimately, the decision to abstain from meat on Fridays (or any other day) is a personal choice that each Catholic must make for themselves, in accordance with their conscience and consultation with their spiritual advisors.
