Abstaining from meat on Fridays is an act of penance and self-discipline intended to help Catholics focus on their spiritual lives and grow closer to God.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays dates back to the early days of the church when the church in Rome prescribed a vegetarian diet for its followers on certain days as a form of fasting. Over time, the prohibition against eating meat on Fridays became more widespread and was eventually incorporated into church law.
It’s worth noting that the Catholic Church’s guidelines on fasting and abstinence are not necessarily binding on all Catholics, and individuals are encouraged to follow their conscience in deciding how to observe these practices.
Some Catholics may abstain from all forms of animal protein on Fridays, while others may abstain from meat but not fish or other seafood. Others may choose not to observe the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays.
