Möt Mary Ann: från Filippinerna till Malmö

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 Mary Ann från Filippinerna som har haft sin första församlingsperiod i Malmö.

Mabuhay! Hej!

My name is Mary Ann Decano Daguplo, 29, years old I was born and raised in Tambongan, Candijay, Bohol, in the Philippines where I grew up in a large, loving family with nine siblings. Back home, I am a licensed professional teacher currently employed as a kindergarten teacher at Bohol IFI Kindergarten School, a preschool owned by our church. I am also a dedicated youth leader in the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), Diocese of Bohol, Parish of Tambongan, Candijay, Church of the Holy Child Jesus.

These experiences have taught me that the youth are not just the future of the Church, we are its heartbeat today.

My service within the Iglesia Filipina Independiente began nearly twenty years ago. Starting as an altar server, and over the years, I have transitioned into roles as a lay minister, where I learned the values of discipline and respect. Currently, I am a council member for the Visayas Regional Youth Council, the Diocesan Youth Council, and the Bohol Youth Ecumenical Council. These experiences have taught me that the youth are not just the future of the Church, we are its heartbeat today.

The road to Sweden

The road to Sweden was not the one I originally imagined. Honestly, I had not applied for this specific program at first, I was set to apply on a volunteer program in Germany where my younger sister applied before. But as saying goes, “We plan, but God directs the steps.’

Getting here was a test of faith. Our first visa application in 2025 was unsuccessfull, a setback that felt like a heavy blow at the time. Yet, looking back, my resolve only grew stronger. I choose to see that rejection not as a closed door, but as a moment of spiritual preparation. I am eager to see the world through a broader perspective and witness how faith is lived out in Sweden. I look forward to experiencing Swedish traditions and diaconal work, and seeing how they empower young people within the church. Now, that I am finally here, I know with absolute certainty that I am exactly where I am called to be.

I choose to see that rejection not as a closed door, but as a moment of spiritual preparation.

My journey in the North began on March 12. We were greeted with such warmth and kindness. As we arrived in Malmö, Carol and I were welcome with an open arm of our supervisor Emma, along with Per and Gunilla, who were even holding a banner with our names and our flag.

Highlights

The highlights of my first week in Malmö was meeting the congregation St Matteus Church. The community so warmly welcomed us, their kindness made us feel at home instantly, even though we were thousands of miles away from the Philippines. From that first moment, I felt the spirit of a “worldwide church”.

From that first moment, I felt the spirit of a ’worldwide church’

As a teacher, my heart is always with the children. Attending the ”Mass for young and old”, as well as joining activities like baby rhythmics and choir. Hearing them sing and seeing them so engaged in the mass was a truly spiritual experience. I also deeply appreciate that every church here has a dedicated corner for children. I am seeing firsthand how children are empowered within the church they aren’t just spectators; they are vital members of the worshiping community.

Definitely, this exchange is about witnessing how the same faith is expressed in diverse ways. I am so excited for my remaining time in Malmö and Sweden to learn, share, and eventually bring these lessons back home to my learners and my IFI faithful community in the Philippines.

– Mary Ann