Summary
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has called on Catholics to undertake a digital media fast during Lent, following Pope Francis’s encouragement. Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera, president of the conference and head of Lipa, issued a pastoral message urging faithful to engage in such a fast as a form of spiritual renewal, given the significant influence social media now has on daily life. The bishops emphasized that digital media can serve as a distraction, weakening one’s interior life, and proposed practical ways for a Lenten social media fast. These include limiting screen time before sleeping or waking up, fasting from phone use during specific periods (such as weekdays), engaging in prayer, reading, or conversation instead of media consumption. The bishops noted that digital media fasting is not anti-technology but rather seeks to integrate technology with spiritual growth under Christ’s guidance. The pastoral message was issued on February 13, preceding Ash Wednesday by five days. The goal of the fast is to promote a closer relationship with God, mental clarity, and appreciation for daily life.
Key Topics
Lent, Digital media fasting, Bishops Conference of the Philippines
