Questions about Lent on Fridays

[Username7]

I had a few questions about Lent, as this will be the first one (I think) I participated in.

I understand the whole 2 smaller meals, and the 1 regular meal (is this everyday in lent, or just Fridays?) applies to everyone over the age of 14 implying they’re healthy.

However the abstaining from meat on Fridays is a little confusing. I live in Canada and I read were not required to refrain from meat on fridays in lent, we can just give up something else.

Though for a few weeks during Lent I’ll be in the United States, and I wasn’t sure wether the Canadian rules regarding meat on fridays would apply to me, as I understand Americans must refrain from meat on fridays during Lent. (Refraining from meat once a week won’t be a problem at all if I have to follow the American way, just wanted to make sure)

Perhaps someone on here could give me some insight, otherwise I’ll probably just ask my priest.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I understand the whole 2 smaller meals, and the 1 regular meal applies to everyone over the age of 14 implying they’re healthy.

This is fasting and applies only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

This is from the Archdiocese of Vancouver website:

Fasting and Abstinence​

The Church prescribes fasting (only one full meal and two smaller meals which together are not greater than a full meal) and abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Catholics aged 18-59 are bound to fast; those 14 and older to abstinence. Those who are ill are freed from these obligations. Everyone, even those above the age of 59, are encouraged to fast and abstain. Parents and educators are reminded of their duty to introduce children gradually to the understanding and practice of penance.

S.29 of Canada’s liturgical calendar, the Ordo, specifies that Fridays are special days of abstinence. This includes Fridays of Lent, although Catholics can substitute special acts of charity or piety on these days.

 

[1ke]

I understand the whole 2 smaller meals, and the 1 regular meal applies to everyone over the age of 14 implying they’re healthy.

Actually, fasting applies to those between 18 and 59. And only applies to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Abstinence from meat applies to those 14 and older.

Though for a few weeks during Lent I’ll be in the United States, and I wasn’t sure wether the Canadian rules regarding meat on fridays would apply to me,

Yes. They do. Travelers are not bound by the particular laws of the place they are visiting.

 

[Username7]

Ok, so the Canadian rules do apply to me then. Also I’m 19, going on 20 so I’ll be fasting then. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Username7]

Thank you for the detailed response.