Lenten Regulations on Fast and Abstinence

Ash Monday marks the beginning of Lent. The following fasting and abstinence regulations are observed:

Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Monday, Good Friday, and all the Fridays of Lent by all Catholics 14 years of age and older.

All Maronite’s who are physically capable are to abstain from meat on Ash Monday and all Fridays of Lent.

Ash Monday and the Great Friday of the Crucifixion are also days of fasting. Fasting in the Maronite Church involves eating and drinking nothing at all (except water and medicine) from midnight until noon. The rest of the day normal meals can be taken but without meat. All Maronite’s who are physically capable are to fast these two days.