fasting Archives - Catholic Herald

fasting

A theological approach to drinking (or not drinking) during Lent

February 19, 2024

The age-old tension of whether we should drink is not unique to Lent, but the Lenten season does offer a way of thinking theologically about our relationship with alcohol. Brits are forever questioning their relationship with alcohol (and not without cause). This year especially so, with Lent following so quickly on the heels of so-called

Pope St Leo the Great on keeping a Holy Lent

February 12, 2024

A reflection from Pope St Leo the Great – Sermon 46: The right practise of abstinence is needful not only to the mortification of the flesh but also to the purification of the mind; we desire your observance to be so complete that, as you cut down the pleasures that belong to the lusts of

Try giving up meat for Lent

March 01, 2023

The late Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, used to point out that religions should be wary of discarding their traditions, because they have a habit of coming back into fashion. There can be no better example than the tradition of giving up meat on Fridays. This was formerly the rule for Catholics, an easily understood and

What We Do (Or Don’t Do) For Lent

February 17, 2021

Our writers and others share their Lenten disciplines, experiences, or just their feelings about the whole thing. Some will surprise you. One watches comedy, because laughter is a sacrifice. Another is learning not to make rude jokes.

Catholics need to rediscover proper lenten fasting

March 15, 2018

Pope Benedict XIV wrote that the observance of Lent is the 'very badge of Christian warfare'

St Clare and St Francis show us what we can achieve through prayer and fasting

August 11, 2017

The saints were given to long periods of seclusion, silence, prayer and fasting

The rewards of a little self-denial in Lent are extraordinary

February 18, 2015

Don't take my word for it: look at what scientists discovered in a famous experiment

Pope: Lenten fasting and almsgiving open hearts to Christ

March 09, 2011

At his general audience Benedict XVI says that fasting and almsgiving 'prepare our hearts to take flight and seek the things of heaven'