What’s the difference between fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church—and why does it matter?

In this episode, Fr. Cristino joins us to clear up one of the most misunderstood Lenten practices. Many Catholics use the words fasting and abstinence interchangeably, but according to Catholic teaching, they mean two very different things.

We’ll explore:
What the Church actually means by fasting
Why abstinence isn’t the same thing as fasting
Who is required to fast (and who isn’t)
Why giving up chocolate or social media might not be true fasting
How fasting helps us conquer sin and grow in holiness

Fr. Cristino also reflects on the spiritual power of fasting—how it trains our desires, reorders our appetites, and draws us deeper into union with Christ, especially during Lent.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:18 What is the difference between fasting & abstinence?
2:18 Should everyone fast during Lent?
3:54 Three ways to fasting
4:47 Why fasting is so important
9:26 Misconceptions about Fasting (where Catholics go wrong)
14:36 Fasting helps us over come patterns of sin
15:33 Closing comments on fasting & abstinence during Lent
16:18 Closing prayer

✝️ #Catholic #Fasting #Abstinence #Lent #CatholicChurch #CatholicTeaching #SpiritualDiscipline #FrCristino