CBCP: Observe Lenten fasting from digital mediaA woman checks her phone for messages and updates on social media. MANILA, Philippines — Catholics can practice digital media fasting this Lenten season as excessive exposure to streaming and gaming weakens their “interior life,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday. In a two-page pastoral letter, CBCP president and Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Gilbert Garcera clarified that digital media fasting is not “anti-technology,” but an opportunity to allow Christ to guide people in their use of media. Digital media fasting helps restore balance and reminds us that technology must serve human life – not dominate it,” Garcera said. The 40-day Lenten season begins on Feb. 18, Ash Wednesday.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2026 17:50 UTC