Fr. Sandesh Manuel, a Franciscan priest originally from Bangalore, India, has captured the hearts of many with his unconventional approach to ministry.
Through Instagram, YouTube, and a passion for music, Father Manuel has become a modern spiritual influencer, or as he describes himself, a “sensefluencer,” according to a report by Catholic Connect.
His creative outreach aims to bridge the gap between the Church and today’s youth, a mission inspired by the teachings of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi.
In an interview with Catholic Connect, Father Manuel shared the roots of his vocation.
“Growing up in a devout Christian family, I attended Merrimackle School and St. Joseph’s Indian High School, followed by Christ College for my pre-university education. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, I found myself questioning life’s deeper meanings, such as the purpose of suffering and existence itself,” he recalled.
This philosophical curiosity led him to the Franciscans, a path he embarked on 26 years ago before being ordained in 2009.
Currently residing in Austria, Father Manuel studies music while engaging with communities that feel increasingly disconnected from traditional faith practices.
“The Church must awaken from its complacency and engage actively with those searching for meaning,” he emphasized.
Noting declining church attendance in German-speaking countries, he added, “We need to step out of our comfortable circles and recognize the struggles people face today. It’s essential to adapt our message to resonate with contemporary society while remaining true to our core values.”
Father Manuel’s Instagram and YouTube presence, which incorporates rap, jazz, and other contemporary music styles, is redefining the image of a priest for younger generations.
“By incorporating contemporary music styles—like rap and jazz—into my ministry, I aim to communicate spiritual messages that appeal to youth culture,” he said.
Having been an early adopter of YouTube in 2007, he creates content for a wide audience, including those questioning their faith.
Despite the positive reception, Father Manuel’s approach hasn’t been without challenges. “Yes, I’ve faced criticism for my unconventional methods; some see them as too modern or lacking reverence for tradition. However, I’ve learned that criticism is part of any creative endeavor,” he acknowledged.
His efforts have been deeply rewarding, particularly when seeing the impact of his work.
“The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the positive impact my videos have on viewers’ lives. Knowing that my work brings light into someone’s life is incredibly fulfilling and reinforces my sense of purpose,” he shared.
Father Manuel’s philosophy as a “sensefluencer” is rooted in promoting meaningful living and spirituality over superficial content.
“In a world where many influencers focus on commercial gains, my aim is different. I want to guide people toward understanding the spirituality of Jesus Christ and St. Francis through my music and social media presence,” he explained.
As for his advice to young people grappling with faith in a modern world, Father Manuel believes in the power of personal journeys.
“Everyone’s journey is unique; we all grapple with doubts at times—and that’s perfectly normal! It’s essential to explore spirituality authentically while being kind to oneself and others along this shared journey called life,” he said.
