I ett antal inlägg framöver presenterar årets internationella deltagare i Ung i den världsvida kyrkan sig själva. De är i Sverige under mars till maj. Här möter ni Christopher Saniel från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Örebro.
From Long years of waiting to a dream fulfilled: my journey from the Philippines to Sweden
Mabuhay. My name is Christopher Saniel and I am 25 years old from the Philippines. My life in the church began at the young age of 14 when I started serving as an altar server in the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Since then the church has been the space where I discovered my full potential and my passion for service.
My journey to be here with you today is a story of persistence as I have been applying for this international program since 2019. After long years of waiting and praying it is a profound joy to finally be living out this dream. Over the years I have been privileged to serve as a Parish Youth President Lector and Parish Secretary. These roles opened doors for me to see the bigger picture of the church allowing me to participate in Diocesan and National activities. My faith has also driven me to become an advocate for social justice. Specifically I have been focusing on HIV and AIDS awareness LGBTQIA+ rights and CROSEC, which stands for Church Response Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
My faith has also driven me to become an advocate for social justice specifically focusing on HIV and AIDS awareness LGBTQIA+ rights and CROSEC, which stands for Church Response Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children.
As my journey continued I decided to enter the Subdeacon program in my Diocese. In this role I have focused on deepening my liturgical service and assisting our clergy in spiritual leadership. Thus has been a deeply fulfilling path for me.
In Sweden!
My experience in Sweden, especially within the Längbro Parish, has been transformative. While the setting is different from my home the spirit of fellowship is the same. It was a profound honor to assist in the liturgy by giving communion. A moment I will never forget was reading the Gospel in my native language. Hearing those sacred words in the language of my heart while standing in a Swedish sanctuary felt like a beautiful bridge between our two cultures.
It reaffirmed my belief that the church should be a home for everyone.
I have also been blessed to visit various parishes in Örebro and Lund as well as the Strängnäs Domkyrka. My visit to Vadstena was particularly moving because the rich history and the peaceful atmosphere of the Abbey. It left a lasting impression on me. Attending the Rainbow Mass was another highlight for me. It was inspiring to see a church so explicitly celebrate diversity. It reaffirmed my belief that the church should be a home for everyone. Furthermore visiting the hospital and university churches showed me how the Swedish church provides a vital presence in all areas of life. Thus by offering comfort to students and patients alike. I am so grateful for the warmth and hospitality I have received here.
Thank you for welcoming me into your community and for the opportunity to share my story with you. If you would like to follow my daily adventures and see my journal of life here in Sweden please feel free to follow me on Instagram at:
@chriscrosssweden2026.
– Christoffer