This practice can be traced back to the early days of Christianity when the church in Rome prescribed a vegetarian diet for its followers on certain days as a form of fasting. And fish was not considered meat and was therefore allowed to be eaten.
The Catholic Church’s decision to abstain from meat but not fish on certain days is based on some factors. One reason is that fish has long been a dietary staple for many people, particularly in coastal regions where other protein sources may have been scarce.
In addition, fish has generally considered a healthier source of protein than meat, and abstaining from meat, but not fish, may have been seen as a way to promote better health and nutrition.
It’s worth noting that the practice of abstaining from meat but not fish on certain days is not universally observed among Catholics. Some Catholics may choose to abstain from all forms of animal protein during fasting or penance.
Additionally, 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.
