Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays, but why?
Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays, but why? It’s a question that has been asked by many people over the years. While it may seem like a simple question to answer, the truth is that there are several different reasons for the practice. The history of abstinence from meat on Fridays goes back to the earliest days of Christianity and its association with penance and fasting.
What is Friday abstinence?
The Catholic Church teaches that all Catholics are required to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent. This means that Catholics should not eat any kind of meat or poultry on these days. Fish is still allowed, however.
Why do Catholics not eat meat on Fridays?
“On Friday we abstain from eating flesh so as to remind ourselves that Jesus Christ suffered death for us.”
Friday abstinence dates back to the earliest days of Christianity when Christians would fast before receiving communion in order to purify themselves before partaking in the Eucharist.
