Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of abstinence from meat as well as days of fast, when only one full meal is allowed. On days of fast, two other meatless meals may be taken according to one’s needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat begins at age fourteen (14) and does not cease. The obligation to fast begins at age eighteen (18) and ceases at age fifty-nine (59). Please note: Although the faithful may excuse themselves from fast and abstinence, for a just cause, there is an obligation to substitute another penance in its place. No Catholic should lightly excuse him/herself from these Lenten obligations.