This is a day of mandatory abstinence and fasting (Can. 1251). All Catholics aged 14 or old must abstain from meat on this day (Can. 1252). Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl. Also forbidden are soups or gravies made from them. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and shellfish are permitted.However, for those between 18 and 59 years of age (Can. 1252), they are bound to fast on Ash Wednesday. On this day one normal-sized meal and two smaller meals that do not equal the normal meal are allowed. Eating between meals, however, is prohibited although fruit juices and milk are allowed.
These rules are much more lenient than centuries past. If you can, truly make your fasting a sacrifice.
Mass is not required today, but I hope that many of you will go to receive your ashes. For information on the origin of ashs and Ash Wednesday, see this link.
5 comment(s):
whoa. i can't eat chicken but shrimp is okay? why?
Anti-fast guy,
The Eastern Christian Churches don't allow fish as does the Roman Church. They do however allow shrimp. Basically anything with a vertebrae is off-limits and anything without is ok--shrimp, oysters, etc. Hope that gives you an idea.
What's wrong with animals with vertebrae?
Anti-fast guy,
Back in the olden days, the Church Fasts prescribed that the faithful not eat any 'feasting' foods. These foods included dairy products, olive oil, wine, and meat.
I'm sorry I can't provide more detail on the vertebrae part of it. (I'm not Orthodox so I don't know the particulars). I have seen conflicting information on Orthodox fasting as to the eating of invertebrate shellfish. But you will find various cultural intrepretations of the rules of fasting.
Geesh, that's some strange stuff.
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