Thus, canon law will not mandate Catholics to confess the questionable decision of consuming a soy burger that has the same flavor as a Whopper.

“Perhaps one day, if this type of cuisine becomes genuinely common and integrated into the daily lives of numerous individuals, the Church will confront the matter head-on or suggest an alternative form of penance,” Father Menke remarked.

Nonetheless, as Father Menke pointed out, the issue of whether consuming synthetic meat is permissible ignores the inner transformation and self-restraint that abstaining on Friday aims to cultivate. “I believe it is obvious that it contradicts the essence of the law,” Father Menke remarked. “Everyone is aware of that!”

What is permitted?

Father Bryan Small, a clergyman of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, informed Our Sunday Visitor that “the primary purpose” of refraining from meat on Fridays is not to engage in “mental or culinary acrobatics.”

“It’s about standing in unity with those who lack the privilege of being able to order a triple bacon cheeseburger at the drive-thru or through DoorDash whenever the craving hits,” remarked Father Small, who noted that the Impossible Burger can be consumed during Lent, due to a technicality.

“I inform people that if they choose the plant-based burger, that’s okay,” Father Small stated. “Yet, whatever the price of that burger is, an equal sum should be contributed to your CRS Rice Bowl.”

Father Stephanos Pedrano, a Benedictine monk and priest at the Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California, provides some clear guidance, stating to Our Sunday Visitor: “When it’s time to refrain from eating meat, simply forgo it. You are not required to find a replacement.”

Remembering Christ’s suffering and death on Good Fridays, the Church assigns unique importance to all Fridays and encourages Christians to participate in Jesus’ self-denial and sacrifice by refraining from food and performing acts of penance. Throughout Lent, the Church mandates that Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays, which has traditionally been linked to festive celebrations.

In its instructions for Lent, the U.S. bishops’ conference provides guidance on adhering to the Friday abstinence, noting that it does not apply to meat broth or liquid dishes derived from meat. Chicken stock, consomme, and soups prepared or seasoned with meat are acceptable. Consuming gravies or sauces containing meat, along with seasonings or condiments created from animal fat, will not prevent you from partaking in Communion on Sunday. Similarly, that meat-flavored patty made from kidney beans is also permissible.

“What is the purpose (of consuming faux meat) then? To prevent suffering?” inquired Deacon Kevin Gingras, a deacon within the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts.

The bishops conference further observes that moral theologians have historically instructed that Catholics should refrain from consuming all animal-based items on the Fridays of Lent, excluding foods that lack any meat flavor, such as butter, gelatin, cheese, and eggs.

Both saltwater and freshwater fish species, along with shellfish, are allowed. Cold-blooded creatures like reptiles are also permissible, if that’s your preference. However, once more, refraining from meat while enjoying lobster or a substantial serving of fish and chips contradicts the intent of Lent.

“It isn’t meat, but it’s definitely not causing any suffering, either,” Deacon Gingras stated.

Altruism and unity

Certainly, some personal judgment is crucial when determining if one should opt for a vegetarian alternative to a bacon cheeseburger during Lent.

“As any meat-eater understands, imitation meat is not genuine meat, and it not only doesn’t invalidate the fast, but for those who relish meat, as opposed to those addicted to it, could even represent a greater sacrifice to consume than fish,” remarked Father Roger Landry, a priest from the Diocese of Fall River who is associated with the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations.

Auxiliary Bishop Mark O’Connell of Boston, a canon lawyer, shared with Our Sunday Visitor that although he does not see himself as an authority on the subject, he does not think a veggie burger can be categorized as meat.

“I believe it serves as a punishment all on its own,” Bishop O’Connell humorously remarked.

“This appears to be quite a foolish question. Additionally, consuming imitation meat is consistently a humiliation,” remarked Mindy Selmys, a past Catholic blogger.

However, for Rachel Cecilia, a young Catholic laywoman from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, consuming something that resembles meat still seems to her like a compromise, even though it is technically permissible according to Church regulations.

“I would genuinely feel that my motivation was inappropriate if I went through with it,” Cecilia remarked.

Michael Bayer, who serves as the director of evangelization and adult formation at St. Clement Church in Chicago, remarked that abstaining from meat during Lent emphasizes sacrifice as a pathway to solidarity. It urges him to contemplate and appreciate his own blessings while remaining aware of the hardships faced by migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and by refugees escaping conflict-ridden nations in Africa and the Middle East.

Bayer stated, “All of this means that I have no interest in wasting even a moment discussing if an Impossible Whopper violates the regulations.”

Brian Fraga is a contributing editor for Our Sunday Visitor.