THE LENTEN SEASON
A distinction is to be made between Lent and
the Easter Triduum. Strictly speaking, Lent ends
with the beginning of the Triduum on Holy
Thursday. The Ordo notes: “Lent runs from Ash
Wednesday until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper
exclusive on Holy Thursday.”
FASTING AND ABSTINENCE
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good
Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age
but not yet 59. Those who are bound to fast may
take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are
permitted if necessary to maintain strength
according to each one’s needs, but eating solid
foods between meals is not permitted.
Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all
Catholics 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday,
Good Friday and on all Fridays of Lent. The
determination of certain days as obligatory days
of penance should not be understood as limiting
the occasions for Christian penance.
MAINTAINING THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON OF LENT
The Spirit of the season of Lent should be
maintained throughout the weeks of Lent. The
obligation to observe penitential days of the
Church is a very important part of our spiritual
life. Individual circumstances must be taken
into account, but in general, people should seek
to do more rather than less, since fast and
abstinence on the days prescribed should be
considered a minimal response to the Lord’s
call to penance and conversion of life.