News—"Kapag nagpunta po kayo dito, talagang mararanasan ninyo kung paano magpuri sa Panginoon," says Cardinal Tagle during visit to the SVD Farm
Tagaytay City—In a profound visit last August 10, 2021, His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, accompanied by his family, graced the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm with his presence. During his visit, Cardinal Tagle was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community.
This visit culminated in a poignant message, echoing the essence of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis's encyclical on caring for our common home. Cardinal Tagle's message, published last September 26, 2021.
The publication of Cardinal Tagle’s video message marked a significant moment in the SVD Farm's celebration of the Season of Creation that year. The publication also coincided with the first anniversary of the planting of the first vegetables and fruits in the newly-cleared areas of the SVD Farm by seminarians and priests from the SVD Tagaytay Community.
In his message, Cardinal Tagle delivered a powerful reminder that the SVD Farm is not merely a garden but a “sanctuary of spirituality.”
"Kapag nagpunta po kayo dito, talagang mararanasan ninyo kung paano magpuri sa Panginoon na may gawa ng langit at lupa at may gawa sa ating lahat," he said, referring to the translation of “Laudato Si’” as “Praise be to You.”
The central theme of Cardinal Tagle’s message emphasized the role of humanity as stewards, custodians, and caregivers of the Earth.
"Hindi lamang po ito garden, kundi ito din po ay isang spirituality. Kasi po, kung minsan, nakakalimutan natin (that) we are not the owners of creation. We are stewards, we are custodians, we are caregivers—at ang caregivers, palaging mananagot sa may-ari, sa gumawa. Kaya po, dito sana ay maranasan natin iyong ganoong spirituality," Cardinal Tagle said.
The spirituality of Laudato Si', as expounded by Pope Francis, intertwines with Cardinal Tagle's vision for a holistic lifestyle and social responsibility. "Ang Laudato Si' ay isang spirituality na umuuwi sa isang lifestyle at umuuwi sa tinatawag ni Pope Francis na 'social friendship,' 'social responsibility.' Kaya po inaanyayahan namin kayo na tangkilikin ang Laudato Si' Farm ng SVD Tagaytay Community," he stated.
Cardinal Tagle also urged that the SVD Farm should be more than a mere celebration for the seminarians of the SVD Tagaytay Community, emphasizing a deeper conviction to care for one another. Addressing the seminarians, he also expressed his hope that the SVD Farm would serve as a catalyst for personal conviction. "We are all related to one another, and we should learn how to care for one another in the spirit of God's caring for all of us," he said, leaving a resonating call for unity and compassion.
The SVD Farm is honored by this visit from Cardinal Tagle. Through his message, may we foster a deeper connection between humanity and creation and cultivate social responsibility in the spirit of Laudato Si'.
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Watch the full video message from Cardinal Tagle through the link below:
Cardinal Tagle's Message for the SVD Farm
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.