The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful to go beyond traditional food abstinence and practice “digital media fasting” this coming Lenten season.
Catholics are urged to limit cellphone and social media use as a modern expression of repentance and renewal starting Ash Wednesday, February 18.
In a pastoral appeal for Lent 2026, the CBCP reminded the Catholic community that fasting, as taught in the Gospel, is meant not for public display but as a sincere offering to God.
The bishops said that in today’s digital age, conversion must also address habits that consume time and attention, particularly constant engagement with mobile phones, social media, streaming platforms, gaming, and other online activities.
“Fasting has traditionally meant abstaining from food as an act of repentance and spiritual focus,” the bishops said. “Yet fasting also means detaching from whatever distracts our hearts from God.”
They emphasized that excessive screen time can weaken prayer life, diminish silence and contemplation, and strain authentic human relationships.
The CBCP said that while technology is a blessing when used responsibly, constant connectivity can lead to distraction, mental fatigue, shortened attention spans, and reduced spiritual awareness.
The bishops stressed that digital fasting is not about punishment or deprivation, but transformation.
By limiting digital consumption, Catholics are encouraged to create space for prayer, Scripture reading, Eucharistic devotion, works of mercy, and meaningful encounters with family and community.
As practical steps, the CBCP encouraged avoiding phone use upon waking and before sleeping, observing device-free meals and gatherings, limiting social media and streaming time, removing distracting applications, and considering 24-hour or weekend digital fasts.
