On Fridays in Lent, the Church asks Catholics over age 14 to abstain from eating meat, as a “special penitential observance” to join in the suffering of Christ. This custom stems from the traditional belief that Christ died on a Friday, so every Friday should include some act of penance and mortification and meat has been the traditional sacrifice.
But for vegans and vegetarians, this requirement is irrelevant. How can those who eschew eating meat and animal products participate in the sacrificial character of this day?
If you ask a Catholic vegan or vegetarian, they’ve likely made a number of different penances over the years. Friday can be set aside as a penitential day even when abstaining from meat is a way of life. Here are a few ideas to choose from …
Read more:
11 Habits to start during Lent to last a lifetime
Read more:
It’s not too late to make these 4 fun Lenten resolutions with your kids
And today we celebrate...