In 1966 Pope Paul VI issued the apostolic constitution Pænitemini, which rather radically changed the rules on fasting and abstinence in the Western Church. The document was the main source, almost 30 years later, for the Code of Canon Law’s current discipline. Canon 1251 tells us that “Abstinence from eating meat or some other food according to the prescripts of the conference of bishops is to be observed on every Friday of the year unless a Friday occurs on a day listed as a solemnity. Abstinence and fasting, however, are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.”
10:48 AM
"More roast muskrat, Your Grace?" Fasting and abstinence comes in all shapes and sizes
in 1966 pope paul vi issued the apostolic constitution pænitemini , which rather radically changed the rules on fasting and abstinence...
Fr James Bradley
6 min read
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