CBCP calls on Filipino Catholics to make sacrifices for Lent 2026

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Wednesday urged the Filipino faithful to carry out meaningful sacrifices this Lent, which is a season of reflection and repentance in preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

During the Eucharist celebration for Ash Wednesday at the Manila Cathedral, CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin said sacrifices can be in the form of fasting or skipping a bath every Friday.

"'Yun ang lesson talaga ng Lent, ng Holy Week, o 'yung buong Lenten season na 40 days na magsakripisyo tayo para bumalik tayong kaloob-looban sa Diyos," Pantin said during his homily.

(The lesson of the 40-day Lenten season or the Holy Week is to make sacrifices so that we may return to God wholeheartedly.)

Citing the CBCP's pastoral letter for Lent, Pantin said one could also engage in "digital media fasting" to have more time for prayer and their families.

"Minsan, maski kumakain tayo, nakahawak tayo sa cellphone. Iba ang kausap natin. Nawawala ang interpersonal relationship," Pantin said.

(Sometimes, we lose our interpersonal relationships because even when we are eating, we focus on our phone and talk to other people.)

"Sa kahuli-hulian, walang makakapalit sa interpersonal relationship. 'Yung phone, 'yung media, hindi makakapalit 'yun," he added. "Walang makakapalit sa harap-harapan na kaibigan, sa harap-harapang pakikipagkuwentuhan."

(In the end, nothing can replace our interpersonal relationships. Not the phone, not the media. In the end, nothing can replace true friendship and personal conversations.)

CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera had said constant online engagement often distracts and weakens spiritual life, so engaging in digital media fasting helps the faithful redirect their attention from self-centered habits to the loving service of others."

The suggested ways to practice digital media fasting are:

• Avoid phone use before sleep and upon waking
• Limit social media and streaming time
• Observe device-free meals and gatherings
• Try occasional 24-hour or weekend digital fasts
• Remove distracting apps
• Replace screen time with prayer, service, reading, or conversation

— VDV, GMA Integrated News