2023 Lenten Fasting + Abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence.

For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 to age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. 

The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onward.

Those who are excused from fasting and abstinence include women who are pregnant, nursing mothers, heavy physical laborers. the physically or mentally ill, as well as individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

A Reflection on Lenten Fasting