What is abstinence in the Catholic Church?
The meaning of abstinence in the Catholic Church depends on the context. In general, abstinence means refraining from something, as a form of sacrifice or penance. There are two main types of abstinence in the Catholic Church: abstinence from food, and abstinence from sexual activities.
Abstinence from food
Abstinence from food is a way of fasting, which is a collective penitential practice of self-discipline. In keeping with its biblical origins, it traditionally entails partial or complete abstinence from food or drink. The Church requires Catholics to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and to abstain from meat on all Fridays, especially during Lent.
The Catholic Church establishes that abstinence is obligatory on all faithful over the age of fourteen until the beginning of their sixties, and that it must be observed every Friday of the year, unless they coincide with a solemnity. However, the Episcopal Conference of each country may determine other forms of penance, such as works of charity or piety, that replace or complement abstinence from meat on Fridays that are not Lent.
How should abstinence be practiced in the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church establishes rules for abstinence, which are the following:
- Abstinence is obligatory on all faithful over 14 years of age until they turn 60.
- Abstinence must be observed every Friday of the year, unless they coincide with a solemnity. However, the Episcopal Conference of each country may determine other forms of penance, such as works of charity or piety, that replace or complement abstinence from meat on Fridays that are not Lent.
- Abstinence is mandatory on Fridays of Lent.
Abstinence from sexual activities
Abstinence from sexual activities is a way of observing the Sixth Commandment, which forbids adultery and other sins against chastity. The Church teaches that sexual intercourse is reserved for married couples whose marriage is recognized by the Church, and that it should be open to life and love. Therefore, single persons and couples whose marriage are not recognized by the Church should abstain from sexual activities. This also applies to married couples who use artificial contraception or sterilization, which are contrary to the natural law and the dignity of human life .
In short, abstinence consists of voluntarily giving up something we like, whether temporarily or permanently. The Catholic Church promotes abstinence as a way of living chastity and purity, especially before marriage and during certain liturgical periods, such as Lent. Abstinence has a moral and spiritual value for all Catholics, since it implies personal sacrifice and surrender to God.
