| Iva Joyce's |
| My Catholic Faith Meditations |
| Iva Joyces's My Catholic Faith Copyright 2000 |
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| This web page changes according to the Liturgical Season. So, please check back frequently. |
| PREPARING FOR LENT |
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| LENTEN PENANCE |
| The modern Church has changed the traditional Lenten fast and abstinence laws; whereby, we must, under the pain of mortal sin, only fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and in addition, abstain from meat on all Fridays. Though the disciplinary laws concerning Lent have changed since Vatican II, and though we have no authority to enforce the contrary under the pain of sin, it is, nevertheless our (Traditionalist's) opinion that in times of disease (spirtual), more, rather than less medicine is needed. We recommend that you keep the old Lenten practices: (a) fasting on all days of Lent, except Sunday, and (b) abstaining from meat on all the Fridays of Lent. Fasting obliges all persons aged over 21 and under 59, unless health reasons prevent them from fasting. Abstinence obliges all who have reached the age of reason, which is commonly said to be seven years of age. THE BLACK LIST This was the most rigorous form of fasting in the history of church legislation. It was severe regarding the quantity and quality of food allowed, as well as the time when such food might be legitimately taken. More than one meal was strictly prohibited. All flesh meat, eggs, butter, cheese, and milk were interdicted. This meal was not allowed until sunset. During Holy Week, the fare consisted of bread, salt, herbs, and water. St. Ambrose, St. Chrysostom and St Basil attest to these charistics of the black fast. St. Bernard says "hitherto we have fasted only until noon" (3 p.m.) ; "whereas, now" (during Lent) "kings and princes, clergy and laity, rich and poor will fast until evening." It is certain that the days of Lent were marked by the black fast. In the 10th century, the custom of taking the only meal of the day at three o'clock was introduced. In the 14th century this was changed to noon. Shortly afterwards the practice of taking a collation in the evening began to gain ground. The custom of taking a crust of bread and some coffee in the morning began in the early part of the 19th century. Yet, the power of the fast over devils remains, as Jesus said, "This kind is not cast out but by prayer and fasting." (Matt. 17:20) Fr. Helmuts Libietis, SSPX St. Peregrine Roman Catholic Church Westlake, OH |
| COMING SOON CHRIST'S PASSION vs HIS RESURRECTION |
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| St. Francis (Meditating) c. 1660 Francisco de Zurbaran Alte Pinakothek, Munich |
| Meditations Preparing for Lent & Easter Penance & Prayer Church's History of Fasting & Abstinence St Francis in Meditation |