On Fasting and Absinence
UR Holy Mother, the Catholic Church, does not leave her children without guidance, and to their own devices, in this important matter; she tells them not only when but how to fast and abstain, and the rules she has established are those inspired by her heavenly wisdom, and shaped and fashioned by centuries of practical experience. Every Catholic is bound to keep these mild and gentle rules first of all before any other form of bodily mortification can be worthily undertaken. If these are wilfully neglected, no amount of self-imposed austerity can ever make up the loss, or atone for the disobedience.
The Law of Abstinence affects only the kind of food, and has no reference to its quantity. On Abstinence days the faithful are obliged to abstain from flesh-meat only; the number of meals and the amount of food may be the same as on other days.
The Law of Fasting includes that of Abstinence, and adds special requirements of its own; it affects both the kind and the quantity of food. On Fasting-days, besides the obligation of abstaining from flesh-meat, the number and quantity of meals are restricted. Only one Full Meal is allowed, to be taken about noon or later. Besides this full meal a collation of eight ounces is allowed. If the full meal is taken about the middle of17
