News—Former rector Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, celebrates 88th birthday at SVD Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo
Tagaytay City—Former Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, Rev. Fr. Antolin V. Uy, SVD, celebrated his 88th birthday at the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm last July 28, 2023.
The day featured the Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, presided over by Fr. Antolin, and celebrated in conjunction with the Chapel’s second anniversary. After the Mass, a short gathering was conducted at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo.
At the conclusion of his message at the end of the Holy Mass, after discussing the significance of the Virgin of the Poor in the history of the SVD Farm, Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, thanked the benefactors of the Farm, including Fr. Antolin’s family.
“That's why I said, Fr. Uy, please celebrate your birthday here (at the Farm), so that every July 28, kahit nasaan na kayo, we will always remember your birthday because of this time. … Thank you,” said Fr. Sam.
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After the Holy Mass, a short gathering was conducted at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo in honor of Fr. Antolin’s birthday. Fr. Antolin, Fr. Sam, Rev. Fr. Ricardo "Jhon" B. Crisostomo Jr., SVD, General Manager of the SVD Farm, other SVD-Tagaytay priests and seminarians, as well as members of the public, were present during the celebration.
The gathering began with a dinner for attendees. After the dinner, Frt. Joel Wagas, SVD, presented the presentations and messages for the program.
The first group of performers were the SVD scholastics who performed a dance number to the tune “La Copa de Todos”. The second group were the SVD priests who danced the “Macarena,” led by Fr. Jhon. Finally, the third group were the SVD scholastics, priests, and postulants who danced the “Chihuahua,” led by Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD.
Afterwards Rev. Fr. Antonio Pegon, SVD, Rev. Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD, and Rev. Fr. Roger Bag-ao, SVD, proceeded to deliver their respective greeting messages for Fr. Antolin.
The program concluded with a blessing song for Fr. Antolin.
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After the program, in an interview, Fr. Antolin shared his joy and gratitude on this special day, especially as he was surrounded by his fellow SVD Confreres, many of whom were his former students. Having dedicated 43 years to the seminary, Fr. Antolin felt a strong sense of connection and camaraderie with his peers.
Despite reaching the age of 88, Fr. Antolin expressed his desire to continue teaching next semester, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his vocation and passion for education. He credited the supportive environment of the seminary and the farm in the last few years for contributing to his well-being and longevity.
Regarding his influence on the establishment of the SVD Farm, Fr. Antolin acknowledged that many of those involved were his former students, including Fr. Sam and Fr. Jhon. Many of them are my students, and I'm always happy to see them,” he said. His impact on his students' lives has played a significant role in shaping the future of the Farm.
Having been associated with the Farm before its transformation into what it is today, Fr. Antolin expressed a sense of familiarity and belonging. He described the Farm as a place where he “feels at home,” and his fond memories of the seminary have contributed to this sense of comfort and ease.
Fr. Antolin’s enduring commitment to education and the well-being of his students continues to inspire. As the day ended, the SVD-Tagaytay Community and the SVD Farm extended their warm wishes for many more years of blessings for him, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the lives of those he has touched throughout his journey as a devoted servant of God.
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As the former Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community and retired professor of Church History, Fr. Antolin is recognized as a distinguished missionary and scholar whose life has always been dedicated to service and education. Born on July 28, 1935, in San Miguel, Leyte, his journey of vocation began at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City, which marked the beginning of a profound commitment to both his faith and his intellectual pursuits.
His first religious vows in 1958 set the stage for a remarkable journey that has spanned more than half a century. Later on, after pursuing theological studies in Rome, Fr. Antolin was ordained in 1964. With a Licentiate in Sacred Theology and a Doctorate in Church History from the Gregorian University in Rome, he honed his expertise in the field of history through extensive research at the Vatican Archives. This expertise laid the foundation for his lifelong vocation as a teacher and professor.
Fr. Antolin's journey as an educator began at the Archdiocesan Major Seminary in Vigan where he spent six years as a professor. However, it was in 1979 that he became a significant figure at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay.
Since then, for nearly four decades, he has been a constant presence within the institution, shaping the minds and hearts of countless students. His unwavering dedication to teaching Church History has contributed significantly to the intellectual and spiritual growth of his students.
Throughout his illustrious career, Fr. Antolin has held various leadership positions at the SVD-Tagaytay Community, including being the seminary's rector from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2002. He also served as the Dean of Studies and the seminary's Library Director, reflecting his versatility and commitment to the holistic development of the institution.
Fr. Antolin's scholarly pursuits extend beyond the classroom. His writings illuminate critical periods in the history of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, particularly the challenges faced by the Church during the post-Spanish colonial era. His book, “The State of the Church in the Philippines, 1850-1875,” delves into the complexities of the time. He also edited the book "Witness to the Word" as part of the centennial celebrations of the SVD in the Philippines in 2009.
In 2014, Fr. Antolin’s enduring commitment to teaching earned him the Magister Award, a recognition of his exemplary service as an educator at the Divine Word School of Theology (DWST).
With a career spanning over five decades, Fr. Antolin V. Uy's legacy as a scholar, educator, and missionary remains an indelible mark on the legacy of SVD.
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To read more about the celebration of the second anniversary of the SVD Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, including Fr. Antolin’s homily, click the following link:
News—SVD Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor celebrates second anniversary
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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.