RC fasting closer to Orthodox fasting

[DadDave]

I stumbled across an article describing lenten fasting practices that used to be closer to orthodox practices. Is this true?

 

[Scoobyshme]

I stumbled across an article describing lenten fasting practices that used to be closer to orthodox practices. Is this true?

Not sure. Do you have a link to the article?

I remember when I was young, folks used to have to fast all 40 days of Lent. Not just on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Also, the Eucharistic fast was not 1 hour before receiving, but from midnight. Maybe we should go back to that.

 

[DadDave]

I believe I got the impression from reading the wiki article on Shove Tuesday.

 

[I_Thirst]

The Eastern Catholic Churches (all are in communion with Rome) also keep the older fasting rules, which are like the Orthodox. It’s still a Catholic practice!

 

[DadDave]

Yes, but I meant to say the Latin Catholics appeared to have fasting rules that were similar in times past.

 

[TrueLight]

Also, the Eucharistic fast was not 1 hour before receiving, but from midnight. Maybe we should go back to that.

I happen to agree. I find our newer fasting rules wimpy.

Of course exceptions can always be made for the elderly and infirm, but why can’t we fast from midnight. Seriously? Or at least 3 hours before the mass.

 

[I_Thirst]

Yes, but I meant to say the Latin Catholics appeared to have fasting rules that were similar in times past.

I believe one is allowed to fast outside of the current Latin rules (without having any special permissions). Look to our Eastern Catholic brothers and sisters for guidance.

Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving! Somehow we’ve lightened up on fasting in the west.