Bishop Tobin on Why Catholics Give Up Things

"One of the traditional practices of Catholics is to 'give up' things, to fast and abstain from material comforts and personal attachments. Although it should happen throughout the year, especially on Fridays which are penitential days, it most commonly occurs during the forty days of Lent. 'What are you giving up for Lent?' is a question Catholics frequently answer as Ash Wednesday approaches.

"But why do we give up things? What's the purpose of avoiding meat, alcohol, chocolate, smoking, or increasingly these days, social media? There are at least three reasons for our Christian asceticism." 

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on some of the reasons (including discipline that strengthens us spiritually and detachment from material things) Catholics give up things during Lent and at other times. 

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit: 

The Imitation of Christ: Why Do Catholics Give Up Things? (4 APR 19)