Chapter V: On abstinence and fasting

Let each and every one of them [universi] abstain from the eating of meat on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and on Saturday, unless the presence of infirmity persuades otherwise. Indeed let meat be given to the little ones throughout these three days [or the Triduum ?], nor let it be withdrawn from those set out on a journey; also when it happens that some exceptional solemnity falls during [these days], let each be allowed that fare which other Christians are accustomed to consume at barbecues [epulis carneis] from ancient times. But on other days, in which fasting is not observed, let eggs and cheese not be denied [them]. But let them also be able licitly to eat of whatever is placed before them when they are with other religious in their own religious houses [conventualibus domibus]. And let them be content with the taking [refectione] of lunch and dinner, except for the weak, infirm, and travelers. Let the food and drink of the healthy be moderate, since the Evangelical Text has: Pay attention lest your hearts be weighed down with drunkenness and hangovers. But let breakfast and/or dinner not be taken, except with the aforementioned Lord's Prayer: after each meal it is to be repeated with a Deo gratias, which if it happens to be omitted, the Pater noster is to be said three times. Moreover on Fridays throughout the year fasting is to be celebrated, except perhaps from infirmity or another legitimate reason they be excused, or if it happened that the Feast of Christmas was to be observed on that day. But they will fast from the Feast of All Saints up until Easter, on Wednesday and Friday; [and they are] nevertheless to observe the other [days of fasting], which have been established by the Church, or those indicated by for other reasons on ordinary days. But in the Lent of St. Martin [which begins on Nov. 1] up until Christmas and from Qinquagesima Sunday [i.e. two Sundays before Ash Wednesday] up until Easter, let them take care to fast on each day (Sundays excepted), unless some infirmity or necessity suggests other [devotions]. The sisters with child can, if the want to, abstain up until the day of their purification from whatever bodily exertion (prayer alone excepted). Workers (on account of the presence of the fatigue from the work being completed) can licitly take food from Easter Sunday up until the Feast of the aforesaid Blessed Francis, three times on each day, on which the ply themselves in the exertion of work. But when it happens that they are engaged in works for others, it is licit for them to eat on any day, except Friday, and/or those days, in which fasting is generally recognized to have been instituted by the Church.