The participants of the Young in the Worldwide Church Youth Exchange Program (YEP) flew to Sweden armed with the tools to represent Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), after undergoing a Pre-Departure Orientation on March 4-5.
โThis is an important gathering that prepares the participants for their experience in Sweden,โ said Rev. Jewel Tumaliuan, the YEP Coordinator and IFI National Program Coordinator. โWe want them to be resilient to the cultural and other differences, to be wide-eyed explores, and to be responsible ambassadors of the church.โ
The participants โ Carol Turdil (Diocese of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Abra), John Brickxler Banal (Diocese of Rizal and Pampanga), Shery Mae Escabusa (Diocese of Malaybalay), Shema Kyn Batoy (Diocese of Oroquieta), Mary Ann Daguplo (Diocese of Bohol) and Christopher Saniel (Diocese of Marinduque, Quezon, Batangas and Camarines) โ underwent worship, lecture and workshop sessions to both learn and reflect.
YEP is a programmatic expression of the Concordat of Full Communion between IFI and the Church of Sweden, which now marks 30 years.
The six flew for Arlanda Airport in Stockholm on March 12.
Resource speakers included Rev. Wilfredo Ruazol, IFI General Secretary Bishop Dindo Ranojo, and National Youth President Vaughn Alviar. Some activities were designed as peer learning sessions.
Participants learned about the churchโs history, its commitment to justice and service under the spirit of Pro Deo et Patria, and the responsibility of serving as โConcordat Ambassadorsโ to strengthen ecumenical friendship and solidarity.
โWe want our young people to take this opportunity to learn about the worldwide Church firmly grounded on the mission of Christ in the Philippines, and how the IFI has taken part in it,โ said Alviar.
โWe emphasize that the exchange program is not only about experiencing a new culture but also about sharing the stories, struggles and faith of the Filipino people,โ he said.