Everyone, 14 years of age and over, is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, and all the Fridays of Lent.
Everyone, age 18 and under age 59, is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
On these 2 days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other meatless meals sufficient to maintain may be taken according to one's needs, but together should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk & fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not apply.
To disregard fast and abstinence completely is a serious breach of the law.
Lent is the principal season of penance in the Christian year. All are strongly encouraged to develop and follow a program of voluntary self-denial, a time of prayer and performance of works of charity and mercy.