Friday penance has a long history within the Catholic Church that is explained in this leaflet.

In September 2011, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales re-established the practice of abstinence from meat on Fridays. This is part of a rediscovery of traditions that go right back to the first-century Christians, and which helps us remember in a special way the day on which Jesus died.

This tradition of penance is clearly set out and further explained in a short and readable way in this leaflet.
• Why is Friday a day of Penance?
• Why do Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays?
• How can you make the most of your Friday prayer ?
Understanding Catholic practice