§ II. On the evening collation

Besides the customary meal it is licit, from universal custom introduced over many centuries and tolerated by the Church, indeed also tacitly approved, to take toward evening a little refreshment from lighter foods. - So all.

563. Questions. - Quaer. 1° What quantity of food can be taken in the little supper?

Resp. From present and common custom, about eight ounces of food can be taken, at least speaking ordinarily.⁶ - But others say that a fourth part of supper is to be permitted. But this doctrine is too vague or liable to scruples. - A quantity of eight ounces is to be denied to no one, but a greater is to be conceded to those for whom this would not suffice. - St. Alphonsus,¹ Elbel, Lacroix. - Certainly no entirely fixed rule can be established, since attention must also be paid to constitution, duties to be performed, the duration of the fast, etc. In general it is licit to take as much as one judges necessary for avoiding an indisposition which impedes him from suitably fulfilling his offices. - Scavini, Gousset. - Account also must be taken of one's own region, if somewhere a greater quantity of food is necessary.

564. • Quaer. 2° What excess is judged grave in the little supper?

Resp. All agree that an excess of two ounces is slight matter.² See what was said above, n. 560, q. 8°.

Quaer. 3° Must sugar and milk, which are mixed with coffee or tea, be computed among the eight ounces?

Resp. By distinguishing according to those things which we said at n. 557, q. 2°, and n. 558, q. 5°.

Quaer. 4° What quality of foods can be used in the little supper?

Resp. Bread, any fruits whatever, any vegetables also, and sweetmeats of various kinds. But especially the custom of places is to be observed. For many things are permitted in various dioceses or provinces which are forbidden elsewhere: thus, for example, among us and elsewhere generally it is licit to eat cheese.

565. • Quaer. 5° Is it licit to eat eggs and butter in the evening little supper?

Resp. In the negative, generally, although dispensation is had for milk-products, as is clear from the Decree of Benedict XIV and Clement XIII. Yet among us, from present custom, it is licit to take some butter or cheese; but eggs are by no means permitted, because they are of very great substance,³ unless a contrary custom or dispensation is present.

Quaer. 6° Are fish permitted in the little supper?

Resp. In the affirmative, if it is a question of little fish, especially dried, and probably also of larger fish; yet St. Alphonsus⁴ thinks that with regard to these the weight of two or three ounces is not to be exceeded.