Adsum

September 2005

Whale on Friday

Father Connell Answers Moral Questions
by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D., L.L.D., L.H.D.

Question: Recently whale steak was put on sale in public markets of our city. The priests have been asked whether or not it may be eaten on Friday. What should be our reply to this question?

Answer: The whale is a warm-blooded animal and hence, according to the norm laid down by some theologians would be forbidden as food on a day of abstinence. However, others lay down norms that would allow the use of whale flesh. Thus, Bouscaren says: “The general rule is that animals which live on land and have warm blood are considered meat; others, not” (Canon Law [Milwaukee, 1946], p. 630). Since the whale lives in the ocean, it would not be considered forbidden meat, according to this standard, even though it has warm blood. Merkelbach states that by common estimation throughout the whole world mammals are considered lawful abstinence fare if they live at all times in the water such as whales (Summa Theologiae Moralis [Paris, 1938], II, n. 961). Such authorities would seem to make an affirmative answer to the questioner safely probable.

Back to September 2005 Newsletter
Back to top

Printed copies of Adsum, a publication by the seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary for the reading enjoyment of friends and benefactors, are sent free of charge to all who request it. Most issues also contain photos of recent events involving the seminarians. If you would like to put on this mailing list, please use this form.