I am Ryan Steven Paraiso Santos, I come from the Philippines, from the Diocese of Laoag. I am the second son among 4 siblings. My parents, Steven and Mary Ann, are the ones who raised me in the Christian faith and they are the ones who have given me the encouragement and perseverance in the vocation that I have.
I entered the minor seminary when I was 12 years old, and before that I was an altar boy in my parish. The years in the minor seminary were hard and at the same time very good experiences. Having finished the minor seminary I intended to study at the university and follow another path, but the call to the priesthood was stronger and I returned to the seminary again. Those years in the major seminary were more demanding, I was one of the witnesses of the progress and construction of the house of formation that in a few years and with much effort and sweat reached the construction of a 2-story house thanks to the organization of different support programs. I am happy for these programs because I had the opportunity to learn to play the violin to get some funds.
It was in this seminary where I studied philosophy, now I am here in Rome almost to finish my last year of theology and I wish to be back in my country very soon. I am very happy to have spent almost 3 years of my formation at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and especially at the international college Sedes Sapientiae, because it is here where I have truly lived the catholicity of the Church, a good formation and family atmosphere in daily life, in the university and pastoral experience.
