Diocese clarifies meaning of abstinence on Good Friday

As Catholics observe Good Friday on March 29, the faithful are reminded to abstain from meat on this day as a form of sacrifice.

On Ash Wednesday, the first day of the 40 day Lenten season, and on Good Friday, Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59, except those who are ill, are permitted to consume only one full meal which may be supplemented by two smaller meals, which together, should not exceed a full meal,” Church leaders said.

Individuals who are 14-years-old and above are also required to abstain from meat and on all Fridays for the duration of the Lenten Season.

Church run Radio Veritas issues a reminder every Friday during the Lenten season declaring the day as No Meat Friday.

In a Facebook post, the Diocese of Kalookan clarified the meaning of abstinence from meat on Good Friday in the life of the faithful.

According to the Diocese of Kalookan, abstinence on all Fridays of Lent particularly on Good Friday during the Holy Week is actually “an act that serves as a reminder of the need for self-control, detachment from worldly comforts, and a focus on spiritual growth.”

“The goal is to help believers develop a deeper meaning of discipline, humility, and trust in God,” the diocese added.

The diocese said that performing a sacrifice unites the person with the sacrifice of Christ who died on the cross on Good Friday.

“It is also permissible to perform other tasks as a sacrifice. By willingly offering something, believers uncover their own sacrifices, in Christ's sacrifice on the cross,” said the Diocese of Kalookan.

“It becomes an act of self-sacrifice and a way of participating in the reward-giving that Christ does,” the diocese stressed.