Fasting
The Latest
Today is an ember day. What’s that?
Wednesday, Dec. 18, is a special day in the Catholic Church, though relatively few Catholics probably realize it. Read more
U.S. bishop calls for return to Friday abstinence from meat
Archbishop Borys Gudziak made his remarks at the conference’s annual fall meeting in Baltimore on Nov. 13. Read more
7 ways to participate in day of prayer and fasting called for by Pope Francis
Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Holy Land, Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting... Read more
Pope Francis announces prayer vigil, day of fasting for peace in Israel-Hamas war
An interfaith vigil will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful will join... Read more
U.S. bishops urge faithful to join in day of prayer and fasting for peace in Holy Land
The Latin Catholic patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, last week urged Catholics to devote Oct. 17 to prayer. Read more
‘Miracles of the Eucharist’ is the theme for this year’s International Week of Prayer and Fasting
The 31st annual International Week of Prayer and Fasting for our nation, leaders, families, and the Church will take place... Read more
Catholic patriarch calls day of prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has urged Catholics to organize times of prayer with Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the rosary. Read more
These 17th-century monks did a beer fast for Lent
With the Lenten season underway, Catholics are immersing themselves in 40 days of abstaining from sweets, technology, alcohol, and other... Read more
Have you ever wondered what vegans give up for Lent?
Have you ever wondered what vegans give up for Lent? Read more
Catholics converge on DC for a week of prayer and fasting
The week of prayer and fasting will culminate in the National Rosary Rally at the steps of the U.S. Capitol... Read more
Play ball! But go for the peanuts, skip the bratwurst at Good Friday opener
Sorry, Cleveland baseball fans (the Catholic ones, anyway), there is no dispensation from fasting and abstaining because of the Guardians’... Read more
Good news! You can eat a cheeseburger on Friday, March 25. Here’s why
You probably already are well aware that Catholics are called to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays throughout Lent.... Read more
Pope Francis’ Lenten message: Addiction to digital media can hurt human relationships
"May the corporal fasting to which Lent calls us fortify our spirit for the battle against sin,” Pope Francis said. Read more
San Francisco’s Archbishop Cordileone urges Friday fasting for an end to COVID
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco is urging Catholics to fast every Friday for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
Catholic hermit is ‘full of hope’ after 40-day fast for humanity
A lay missionary who was fasting for 40 days in a cave outside Palermo, Italy, says he is returning to... Read more
Louisiana governor announces day of prayer and fasting
The Catholic governor of Louisiana has asked fellow citizens to pray and fast on March 24 for those affected by... Read more
Pope Francis' Lent advice: Put down phone, pick up Bible
Pope Francis urged Catholics Wednesday to use the season of Lent to spend less time immersed in the chatter and... Read more
The Dormition Fast: The Eastern Christian season leading to the Assumption
Each year the Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as other Eastern Christians, participate in a fasting season Aug. 14 in... Read more
Lenten fasting advice from the Pope who faced Attila the Hun
As Christians prepare to engage in the fasting and abstinence of Lent, they can find guidance in the words of... Read more
Fasting and Abstinence at Lent: A CNA Explainer
What does the Church require in Lent, and why? Here are some answers from CNA Read more
