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Fasting during the Triduum?

Question

Question

Are we not supposed eat meat on Holy Thursday through Holy Saturday?

--Tempted in Texas

Answer

Answer

There has been a tradition for those being initiated at the Easter Vigil that after the "Lenten Fast" ended with the celebration and beginning of the Triduum, another fast would continue through the Triduum until the end of the Easter Vigil. This was/is called the "paschal fast." Several parishes have revived this tradition not only for the candidates for initiation, but also for the entire parish. They begin with an "agape meal" or potluck dinner before celebrating the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday and then "fast" or do not eat standard-sized meals until after the Easter Vigil is over.