Arezzo, Italy – In an unusual pastoral directive, Dom Matteo Ferrari, the head of the Camaldolese monastic order, is urging young monks to significantly limit their exposure to social media and streaming platforms. The call for greater digital restraint, outlined in a recent letter to leaders within the order, reflects a growing concern about the impact of addictive technologies on spiritual life and the centuries-classic traditions of contemplative practice. The move comes as monasteries worldwide grapple with how to balance ancient vows of silence and solitude with the pervasive influence of the modern digital world.
Dom Ferrari’s letter, circulated earlier this month, doesn’t call for a complete ban on technology, but rather a tiered approach to its use. The core argument centers on the idea that platforms like Netflix, Instagram, and TikTok are intentionally designed to be addictive, potentially undermining the core tenets of monastic life – poverty, sobriety, and a focused spiritual practice. This isn’t simply a rejection of modern entertainment, but a deliberate attempt to safeguard the contemplative space essential to the Camaldolese tradition. The order, founded around 980 AD by Saint Romualdo, emphasizes a life of prayer, work, and solitude, often practiced in remote hermitage settings like the famous Camaldoli monastery in Tuscany.
A Phased Approach to Digital Discipline
The guidelines outlined by Dom Ferrari propose a three-stage system, tailored to the different phases of monastic formation. During the “postulant” stage – the initial period of discernment – young men considering joining the order are encouraged to develop a critical awareness of their internet and social media habits. This involves dialogue with a mentor to cultivate discipline and detachment. The next phase, the “novitiate,” calls for a more drastic step: a complete suspension of social media use, internet access in private cells, and individual streaming subscriptions. Communication with family and friends would be carefully managed.
Finally, after completing the novitiate and taking “simple vows,” monks may be permitted limited access to these platforms, but only as tools for work or community service. Even then, Dom Ferrari suggests abstaining from social media and streaming after evening prayers, emphasizing the importance of silence as a cornerstone of monastic life. “The Rule speaks clearly of silence after Compline,” he wrote, referencing the traditional final prayer service of the day.
The Cell vs. The Cinema: A Spiritual Question
Dom Ferrari’s concerns extend beyond mere time management. He argues that the constant stimulation of digital media can fundamentally alter a monk’s relationship with God and with themselves. “If the cell transforms into an individual and individualistic cinema,” he asks, “where does our monastic and Romualdian spirituality end up?” He warns of the potential for “cinephilic dependencies” that could lead monks to become experts in filmography rather than seekers of the divine. The letter suggests that the private cell, traditionally a space for prayer and contemplation, risks becoming a space for passive consumption.
The Camaldolese order isn’t alone in grappling with these challenges. Monasteries and religious communities across various faiths are increasingly confronting the impact of digital technology on their members’ spiritual lives. While some embrace technology for outreach and communication, others, like the Camaldolese, are taking a more cautious approach, recognizing the potential for distraction and addiction. The Congregazione Camaldolese, as noted on their official website, has a long history of adapting to changing times while remaining rooted in its foundational principles.
A Tradition of Solitude in a Connected World
Dom Matteo Ferrari was elected priore generale of the Camaldolese order in November 2023, succeeding Dom Alessandro Barban after twelve years of leadership, according to reports from the Diocese of Arezzo. Born in 1974, he has a background in biblical studies and liturgy, and has served as a professor at the Institute of Religious Sciences “Santa Caterina da Siena.” His expertise in liturgical practice also led to his role as a consultant during the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome last October.
The directive regarding social media and streaming platforms isn’t presented as a rigid rule, but rather as a guide for discernment and responsible use. Dom Ferrari emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between engaging with the modern world and preserving the contemplative core of monastic life. The letter serves as a reminder that, even in the 21st century, the pursuit of spiritual depth often requires a deliberate withdrawal from the constant noise and stimulation of the digital age. The next step will be observing how these guidelines are implemented across the various Camaldolese communities worldwide and assessing their impact on the lives of the monks.
This conversation about digital wellbeing within monastic orders is likely to continue as technology evolves. Readers interested in learning more about the Camaldolese order can visit their official website for further information.
