The most well-known of these is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. On this day, Catholics are asked to abstain from meat and to fast, meaning they are only allowed to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
In addition to Ash Wednesday, Catholics are also asked to fast on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day, Catholics are asked to abstain from meat and to fast, following the same guidelines as Ash Wednesday.
Catholics are also encouraged to fast on other days throughout the year, such as the first Friday of the month or during the Ember Days (four sets of days that fall in September, December, March, and June). However, these days of fasting are not mandatory and are left to the discretion of the individual Catholic.
It’s important to note that the Church encourages Catholics to approach fasting with moderation and charity. Fasting is meant to be a way to grow closer to God and engage in spiritual discipline, not a way to harm one’s health or well-being.
If someone cannot fast due to health reasons or other circumstances, the Church advises them to perform other acts of penance instead of fasting.
