Fasting and abstinence are church-imposed penitential practices of self-denial that dispose us to free ourselves from worldly distractions, to express our longing for Jesus, and to somehow imitate his suffering.
Fasting and abstinence: More than laws of the church
Rediscovering ‘A Right to Be Merry’
In her 1956 book, Poor Clare Mother Francis contends that a good sense of humor is a necessary aspect of their unique vocation and shows this with an examination of the joys that come with a calling that seems radical to many.
Let God choose your Lent
As Catholics consider the Lenten question of sacrifice, it can sometimes feel a lot like a competition, a 40-day spiritual marathon with winners and losers.
2023 Lenten penitential regulations
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. That is, limited to a single, full meal and abstinence from meat.
Professor sees religious tapestry woven across the millennia in Lent’s history, traditions
“Anything that Jesus does in his life and ministry sets a pattern for the Church,” said Professor Thomas Neal.
Penance, ‘because of my many sins …’
“What do we mean by, and what’s the point of, penance?”
Vermont parish celebrates birth of Servant of God Joseph Dutton
Why would a parish celebrate the 179th anniversary of someone’s birth?
Holy Saints ACC to host ‘Confesstival’ with prayer, penance
In addition to individual confession with one of four priests who will be available, the day includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, adoration and votive candles for penitents to light at the front of the church. Sacred music also will play quietly in the church.