The Friday Fast is a Roman Catholic and Anglican practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays. Abstinence is colloquially referred to as "fasting" although it does not necessary involve a reduction in the quantity of food. The Friday fast is done in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. After the Second Vatican Council it has not been widely followed by Roman Catholics apart from Good Friday itself. Abstinence is not optional for Catholics on Fridays during Lent. Abstinence on all Fridays is still the preferred practice among many Catholics.