Marta González, cloistered nun, on life, silence, and social media

At 29, Marta González is a Benedictine nun in a cloistered monastery in Sahagún, León, yet she has become a social media sensation, with hundreds of thousands of followers. She describes her life as not isolated but connected, comparing it to leaving home to study.

Life in the Monastery

Marta's day starts at 6 am, with prayer, work, and community life. Each sister has tasks: making artisan products, music, cooking, or managing social media. Source: Clarín She says "No tenemos tiempo para aburrirnos" (We don't have time to be bored). Source: El Confidencial

Silence and Connection

Silence is central. Marta says "La gente consume podcasts o abre TikTok para llenar silencios" (People consume podcasts or open TikTok to fill silences). Source: Clarín She believes silence is a space for personal encounter. She maintains contact with family via phone, calling it "como irse a estudiar fuera" (like going to study away). Source: Clarín, El Confidencial

Social Media and Vocation

Initially, the community was wary of social media, but now sees it as communication. Marta manages the monastery's YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Source: El Confidencial She rejects the idea of renunciation, speaking of "maternidad espiritual" (spiritual motherhood). Source: Clarín