News—Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, discusses eco-missiology and the SVD Farm in DWIMS journal Missio Inter Gentes
Tagaytay City—In an era marked by unprecedented environmental challenges, the intersection of spirituality and sustainability has become increasingly vital. Embracing this imperative, Rev. Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD, Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, Executive Director of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm, wrote "Toward Eco-missiology: The Case of an Ecotourism Farm," an article published last June 1, 2023, in the first issue of the ninth volume of Missio Inter Gentes, the journal of the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS).
In the article penned by Fr. Sam, the urgent issue of humanity's stewardship over the environment is brought into sharp focus.
Drawing from the book of Genesis and contemporary ecological challenges, Fr. Sam discussed how mankind's historical dominion over nature has often led to exploitation and disregard for the delicate balance of creation. He highlighted the alarming consequences of technological progress, which have empowered humanity to manipulate and exploit natural resources with unprecedented efficiency.
Central to Fr. Sam's argument is the emergence of ecotheology as a beacon of hope amid environmental turmoil. This theological discipline, he explains, seeks to bridge the gap between faith and environmental stewardship, recognizing the spiritual imperative of caring for God's creation. Fr. Sam emphasizes the urgent need for the Church to address environmental issues not as mere scientific or political challenges but as profound moral imperatives rooted in scripture.
However, Fr. Sam does not shy away from acknowledging the challenges that hinder the integration of environmental concerns into church life. He points to indifference, polarization, and declining institutional engagement as formidable obstacles that must be overcome.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Sam finds cause for optimism in the growing movement of faith leaders and theologians advocating for environmental justice. He cites the collaborative efforts of Pope Francis, Archbishop Justin Welby, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as inspirational examples of ecumenical religious leadership in addressing environmental crises.
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Through his exploration of eco-missiology, Fr. Sam sought to elucidate the Church's ecological responsibilities in the context of its mission. By examining the case of the SVD Farm as an ecotourism farm, he offered a tangible example of how faith can be translated into action, propelling the Church towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
According to Fr. Sam, eco-missiology isa growing field that redefines the Church's response to the environmental crisis. Drawing from biblical references such as 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 and Colossians 1:15-20, eco-missiology envisions mission as a holistic endeavor aimed at the renewal of both humanity and creation.
However, Fr. Sam acknowledged the theological tensions inherent in incorporating eco-missiology into traditional Catholic theology. He noted the prevalent individualistic and cosmic views of salvation within mainstream Christian thought, which often prioritize human evangelization over holistic engagement with creation. This theological challenge is worsened by apocalyptic and dualistic perspectives that view creation care with suspicion, fearing it may detract from the primacy of human salvation.
Despite these theological hurdles, Fr. Sam emphasized the urgency of addressing the environmental crisis within theological discourse. “(Since) theology is supposed to be done not in a vacuum but in concrete realities, the environmental crisis should be seriously considered as a context, especially with this crisis being a universal concern across religions and nations today. Part of this urgency is the need to offer concrete models for eco-missiological undertakings. In this regard, our theology becomes not just pie in the sky but instead becomes truly incarnational, thus making it profoundly relevant to people’s lives,” he said.
The concept of stewardship, deeply embedded in the theological understanding of humanity as bearers of the ‘imago Dei,’ calls for responsible custodianship of the environment, said Fr. Sam. He emphasized Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si', the inspiration behind the SVD Farm, which also encourages believers to adopt sustainable practices and advocate for environmental conservation as an integral aspect of their faith.
Fr. Sam also discussed eco-missiology as encompassing the principles of ecological justice and restoration, recognizing the inherent dignity of all living beings and the need to rectify environmental injustices. He called for the imperative for Christians to engage in efforts to address disparities in resource distribution and to promote the rehabilitation of ecosystems.
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In the article, Fr. Sam also shared his deeply personal journey of ecological conversion. For Fr. Sam, this journey began in Claveria, Cagayan, where his formative years featured memories of early morning fishing expeditions with his father and the nurturing embrace of his village environment, which instilled in him a profound reverence for nature.
As he embarked on his vocation as a religious missionary, Fr. Sam’s love for creation grew, leading him to eventually founding the SVD Farm. Through his personal narrative, Fr. Sam invited readers to reflect on their own ecological conversion experiences, recognizing the transformative potential of reconnecting with the natural world.
Further discussing the SVD Farm, Fr. Sam highlighted the pivotal role of tourism in economic development, particularly in countries like the Philippines. He underscores the need to view tourism not just as an economic venture but also as a means of holistic community development and environmental stewardship. The SVD Farm, born out of communal discernment during the pandemic, embodies this ethos by offering a space that combines sustainable agriculture with spiritual reflection.
The SVD Farm's mission, said Fr. Sam is twofold: to showcase sustainable farming practices and to provide a sanctuary for spiritual contemplation, exemplifying the interconnectedness of ecological and spiritual well-being.
Fr. Sam emphasizes the SVD Farm's commitment to sustainability, manifested through its six pillars: farming, energy, water, livelihood, knowledge, and lifestyle.
From organic farming practices to renewable energy usage, the SVD Farm exemplifies a holistic approach to environmental conservation and community empowerment. Moreover, beyond its ecological significance, the SVD Farm serves as a space for communal encounter and spiritual growth through its retreat house, chapel, and other areas for prayer, reflection, and sacramental worship.
The SVD Farm, argued Fr. Sam, emerges not just as a tourist destination but as a living embodiment of eco-missiology in action.
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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