Fasting is a traditional form of penance and helps us to
develop willpower and temperance. Limiting the
quality of food or drink is sometimes recommended
as a way of cleansing the body and when penitential,
helps cleanse our souls.

By creating hunger and a desire for that which is denied,
we are reminded of the reason why we are fasting. We
also fast to sympathize with those who are hungry or
poor. Fasting helps to make us more loving and
compassionate.