Archbishop urges Lent abstinence

2011-03-06 12:00:03

6 March 2011 Last updated at 07:35 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Roman Catholics urged to give up meat for Lent The Archbishop of Westminster told Catholics to try giving up their favourite food until Easter Continue reading the main story Related Stories Reach out to God, Nichols urges Bishop sends text as Lent penance Churches reduce carbon for Lent

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has called for a return to the tradition of self-sacrifice and abstinence during Lent.

Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols said Catholics should give up meat on Fridays and match self-denial with increased giving to the poor.

He argues that self-sacrifice during Lent, which begins on Wednesday, could help people cope with their busy lives.

A letter expressing his views has been read out at churches in his diocese.

Archbishop Nichols acknowledged that the increased pace of life has left less time for spiritual practices, but he insisted that self-denial and reflection could actually help people cope with stressful lives.

He called on people to give up meat on Fridays until Easter, or some other favourite food.

He told BBC Radio 5 live he always gave up alcohol during Lent and while such abstinence was "essentially a spiritual exercise" there could be "a lot of other benefits to it", such as losing weight.

"And I think you will find you get a better balance," he said.

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