Fish fries begin for Lent at Naples, Bonita Springs churches

Lent begins today, Feb. 14, and that includes a tradition of Christians fasting on Fridays to recognize Jesus's crucifixion on Good Friday.

The association of fish with religious holidays began in pre-Christian times, and Socrates of Constantinople first mentioned fish in connection with Lent. He was a church historian in the third and fourth centuries who spoke of abstaining from meat and meat products (such as cheese and eggs) during the 40 days of Lent.

Pope Gregory I mentioned the custom after he was elected in 590. Protestants for years have followed the tradition too, including Lutherans. 

Good Friday this year is March 30, and Easter is April 1. 

Here's a list of Southwest Florida churches hosting fish fries. If your church has one, email the information to features@naplesnews.com.

St. John the Evangelist

4:30 to 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday Feb. 14 and every Friday through March 23 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave. N., Naples. Deep fried cod fish basket, $12, comes with clam chowder, cole slaw, french fries, and bread and butter. Oven-baked cod fish dinner, $12, comes with clam chowder, green beans almondine, rice pilaf, cole slaw and bread and butter. Child dinner, for 7 years and younger, $7, one piece of fried cod with mac and cheese.  

St. Elizabeth Seton

4 to 8 p.m. every Friday, Feb. 16 through March 23 at St. Elizabeth Seton, 5260 28th Ave. S.W., Naples, in the school cafeteria. $12 includes baked and fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hush puppies, water, coffee and lemonade. Soda and beer are available for separate purchase. $6 for children 10 years and younger.    

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church

5 to 7 p.m. every Friday, Feb. 16, through March 23 in the Parish Life Center at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 28290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs. $15 for adults, includes french fries, corn nuggets, stewed tomatoes, bread and butter, puddings, tea, lemonade, hot tea and hot coffee. $7 for children.

St. Agnes Catholic Church

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday, Feb. 16, through March 23 in the Parish Center Main Hall at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 7776 Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples. $12 adults, $5 children.