Bishops Call for ‘Digital Fast’ with 5 Tips This Lent to Reconnect with God! CBCP Message

Bishops Advocate for Digital Restraint in 2026 Lenten Message

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is challenging the faithful to log off and look up this Lent. CBCP President Bishop Gilbert Garcera is urging Catholics to swap screen time for spiritual time, warning that "digital excess" often drowns out prayer and weakens real-world relationships.

5 Ways - How to join the digital fast:

  • 1. Silence the noise: No screens before bed or right after waking up.

  • 2. Presence over pings: Keep meals device-free.

  • 3. Deep dives: Try a 24-hour or weekend-long digital detox.

  • 4. Intentionality: Delete distracting apps to make room for reflection.

  • 5. Reclaim: Sacraments, reading, prayer, meditation, dialogue

In a pastoral letter issued from Manila, CBCP President Bishop Gilbert Garcera has introduced "digital media fasting" as a vital contemporary discipline.

The initiative aims to combat the fatigue and spiritual distraction caused by modern technology.

Garcera clarifies that the goal isn't to reject technology, but to master it. By intentionally stepping back from digital platforms, the CBCP suggests that individuals can achieve greater mental clarity, emotional calm, and more authentic connections with both God and their communities. The Church encourages families to use this period to rediscover "the interior silence" necessary for spiritual renewal.

This Lent, Fast from Pixels, Not Just Protein

The CBCP is also asking Catholics to promote "digital media fasting" for Lenten observances this year. Bishop Gilbert Garcera noted that constant connectivity often leads to spiritual "fatigue" and weakened human bonds. Rather than a punishment, the Church views this as a way to reclaim focus and prioritize prayer over scrolling.

Source: https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/cbcp-urges-catholics-to-observe-digital-media-fasting-this-lent/

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