Tag: Catholic fasting

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), chickens are considered meat, and therefore, cannot be consumed during days of abstinence in Lent. This raises a common question for many observing religious diets: is chicken considered meat when fasting, or does it fall under a different category?

According to ancient Church tradition dating back to the first century A.D., fasting on Fridays was a common practice among early Christians to honor the day of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. Today, fasting on Fridays is observed in various forms across different faiths, each with its unique rituals, rules, and intentions.

According to religious texts, figures like Moses and Elijah famously fasted for 40 days, abstaining entirely from food and water. In a modern context, the practice of a bread and water fast is primarily a spiritual discipline, not a health regimen, and requires careful consideration of its purpose, process, and potential health risks.

According to a 2025 health report, intermittent fasting is not recommended for children and teenagers due to the risk of hindering growth and development. This brings up the important question: at what age are you supposed to fast, considering both religious obligations and modern health advice?

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), liquid foods made from meat, such as chicken broth, are not technically forbidden on days of Lenten abstinence. This guideline, however, often causes confusion among the faithful navigating official Church teaching versus traditional practices.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, abstinence from meat is required on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent for Catholics aged 14 and older. However, this abstinence applies only to the flesh of warm-blooded animals, allowing seafood like shrimp to be a popular and compliant meal option.

According to Catholic Canon Law, the definition of meat for fasting generally excludes fish, amphibians, and shellfish, a distinction that surprises many. To properly adhere to religious observance, it is crucial to understand what is considered meat when fasting according to different traditions.