Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
Spirituality
separateurCreated with Sketch.

What is a Black Fast during Lent?

JESUS TEMPTED IN THE WILDERNESS

James Tissot | Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Philip Kosloski - published on 03/18/22

The Black Fast is a strict type of fasting in which you abstain from meat, eggs, butter, cheese, and milk, with only one meal per day.

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

Among the many different types of fasts that the Church has adopted over the centuries, one of the most severe fasts is the Black Fast.

The Black Fast was especially popular in medieval Europe, and is still practiced by some Christians today.

The Catholic Encyclopedia gives a brief description of this type of fast.

In the first place more than one meal was strictly prohibited. At this meal flesh meat, eggs, butter, cheese, and milk were interdicted … Besides these restrictions abstinence from wine, specially during Lent, was enjoined … Furthermore, during Holy Week the fare consisted of bread, salt, herbs, and water … Finally, this meal was not allowed until sunset.

The Church encouraged this severe type of fast during Lent, as well as in preparation for any major event in a person’s life.

Fasting rules were gradually relaxed over the centuries, but Eastern Christians still abide by a similar fast, though the particular rules varies by local tradition.

As with any fast, one should not engage in it without consulting a spiritual director and a medical doctor to ensure that you are getting the proper nutrition and not doing any severe harm to your body.

Tags:
Devotions and FeastsLent
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.