Fasting, prayers, and almsgiving have long been pillars of the Christian spiritual way of life since the birth of the Church. During Lent, the Church reminds all Christian to observe Abstinence (from meat) on Fridays. Also, on Ash Wednesday* and Good Friday, Abstinence and Fasting, are required. Fasting requires that only one full meal be taken, while the other two meals should be partial.

The reason for fasting is to express the will to give up our needs and show our devotion to God. Many people experience immense spiritual benefits during fasting. By donating money saved from fasting to the poor, we experience our closely knit relationship with other people. Fasting will be meaningless if our hearts are not converted and we fail to open our hearts to accept others.

Therefore, if you forgot to fast, the Penance is to put extra effort in showing your love and care to the brothers and sisters around you.

*Ash Wednesday is on March 5.