The season of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday, kicked off the time when millions of Catholics across the globe start abstaining from meat on Fridays.
According to Father Kevin Scalf, McNicholas High School teacher and chaplain, “Catholics and most Protestants abstain from eating meat on Fridays as a form of penance to honor the sacrifice of Jesus, who died on a Friday. This tradition dates back the first century and symbolizes a ‘fast from flesh’ to mirror Christ giving up his flesh. It is considered a weekly ‘Good Friday’ observance.”
According to Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Mineappolis, in Catholic tradition, “meat” is also called flesh meat, which is the flesh of mammals, birds, beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Fish and other cold-blooded aquatic creatures can be eaten on Fridays, such as dairy products and eggs.
Abstinence from meat isn’t just about following the Catholic rules. “Jesus asks his disciples to deny themselves and take up their cross. Abstinence is a way to practice simplicity and self-denial, honoring Jesus’ sacrifice,” said Rev. Michael A. Van Sloun, a priest with the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese.
The ritual of abstaining from meat continues as a Catholic identity, serving as a way for the faithful to connect with centuries of traditions.
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