A Good Fridaythe date on which the Passion of Christ is celebrated, is marked by the fasting and abstinence, according to the CNBB (National Conference of Brazilian Bishops).
According to the Code of Canon Law, the tradition of fasting refers to a “form of penance consisting of deprivation of food”while abstinence consists of “choosing a simple and poor diet”.
A data, celebrated this year on April 3rdseeks to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and is part of the . Thus, during Good Friday, reflection and silence prevail, and it is the only day of the year on which the Catholic Church does not celebrate mass.
Father José Ulisses Leva, from Capela Sion, in the Higienópolis neighborhood, in São Paulo, graduated in theology and philosophy, explains why he is Restrict the consumption of red and white meat in this preparation.
“The Solemnity of Easter, in fact, is fundamental for Christians. In the Catholic Church, it is restricted to not eating meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The flesh resembles the body of Jesus Christ”, says the teacher.
Unlike red and white meats (such as chicken), fish is considered a “colder-blooded” food. with faster digestion and less satiety after consumption.
Thus, for Father Clésio dos Santos, from the Rectory of Carmo, in Vitória (ES), the meaning of fasting, therefore, It’s not in the food itself, but in the meaning it brings.
Easter: understand the meaning of each day, according to the Catholic Church
“Historically, meat was considered a food more festive and associated with celebration. By giving it up, the believer makes a symbolic gesture of simplicity and penancein memory of the suffering of Jesus Christ. So, the real meaning is not simply not eating meat, but remembering the reason for the action”, he highlighted.
Lent and Holy Week
Lived over approximately 40 days, it is traditionally marked, among Catholics, by practices of prayer, fasting and charity.
According to Christian tradition, Jesus remained in the desert for 40 days in prayer and fasting. Inspired by this example, the faithful are called to live this period with greater awareness of their choices, attitudes and responsibilities.
O Canon Law of the Catholic Church establishes that the Mandatory fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday is suitable for believers between 18 and 59 years old, while the abstinence from meat on Fridays in Lentbecomes mandatory from the age of 14. People who are sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding or in specific situations are exempt from these practices.
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which ends Lent — 40-day period that prepares for the celebration of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection — starting on Ash Wednesday, after Carnival.
Is Good Friday the only day of the year without mass?
According to Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, Good Friday “is the only day on which the Church does not celebrate mass, but a liturgical action is celebrated, soberly, commemorating the delivery of Jesus for us when we received communion in the species consecrated the day before. We also have the liturgy of the hours”.
Liturgical action is a celebration of public worship that includes .
“The celebration begins in silence, as the Church at this moment is in deep prayer, for the Lord’s surrender for us. There is no entrance procession, but a short entry. The one who presides over the celebration, prostrates himself before the altar and the other ministers kneel. There are no initial rites as usual, and after a moment of silence, the president of the celebration says the prayer of the day”, highlighted the cardinal.
