The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged Catholics to undertake “digital media fasting“ during the Lenten season.
In a pastoral letter signed on Friday, CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said excessive use of digital media leads to distraction, fatigue, loss of focus, and weakened relationships.
He invites Catholics to reflect on how their digital habits shape their spiritual lives, especially during Lent — a season dedicated to prayer, fasting, and works of mercy.
“Constant connectivity leaves little room for silence and reflection. Many struggle to be present to God and others because screens constantly demand attention,” Garcera said.
“Digital media fasting helps restore balance and reminds us that technology must serve human life — not dominate it,” he added.
Garcera described digital media fasting as a “contemporary expression of conversion and renewal,” encouraging the faithful to go beyond the traditional practice of abstaining from food.
The CBCP acknowledged that technology is a blessing when used responsibly. However, it warned that constant engagement with social media, streaming services, gaming, and smartphones often weakens interior life and spiritual awareness.
Digital media fasting, the bishops said, is not anti-technology. Rather, it seeks to ensure that digital tools become instruments for good rather than sources of distraction.
By limiting screen time, the faithful can create space for prayer, reflection, Scripture reading, Eucharistic devotion, and meaningful encounters with others.
The bishops also offered practical suggestions, including avoiding phone use before sleeping and upon waking, limiting social media and streaming time, observing device-free meals and gatherings, practicing 24-hour or weekend digital fasts, deleting distracting applications, and replacing screen time with prayer and service.
Garcera emphasized that the goal of digital fasting is transformation, not deprivation.
“Digital media fasting is not simply about giving something up. It is about making room for something better,” he said.
The CBCP encouraged dioceses, parishes, families, and communities across the country to promote digital media fasting throughout Lent and beyond.
