News—“Like a paradise on earth,” says Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam, SVD, General Visitator from Rome, during visit to SVD Farm

Tagaytay City—During his recent visit to the SVD-Tagaytay Community, Rev. Fr. Xavier Thirukudumbam, SVD, General Visitator of SVD from Rome, also visited the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.

During his visit to the Farm last August 18, 2023, he met with the managers of the Farm's various departments, as well as Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, Rev. Fr. Severo Biton, Jr., SVD, and other members of the SVD-Tagaytay City.

Two days later, Fr. Xavier also presided over the Holy Mass at the Farm's Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor last August 20, 2023, at 10:30 AM. Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD, Prefect of the SVD-Tagaytay Community concelebrated the Mass with him, with the assistance of Rev. Arjie Ducayag, SVD.

In his homily, Fr. Xavier expressed his joy in celebrating the Eucharist amidst the stunning beauty of the SVD Farm, which he likened to a "paradise on earth." He also emphasized the significance of a synodal Church, echoing the principles of unity, dialogue, and understanding.

Fr. Xavier talked about how “God's house of prayer is a house for all people,” emphasizing how the SVD Farm welcomes everyone to “experience, in a special way, the divine presence of God in nature.” “No wonder they all come here. People like this place, they feel the presence of God, and they experience the peace and the tranquility that comes along with nature,” he said.

Fr. Xavier then delved into the concept of a synodal Church emphasizing the need for the Church to become a "listening Church" that welcomes the perspectives of all its members, regardless of age, background, or status. He linked this idea to Pope Francis's call for synodality, where dialogue and openness play central roles. He used the Gospel, in particular the story of Jesus and the Canaanite woman, as a prime example of this synodal spirit.

“What is the idea behind (the synodal Church)? The idea behind is that we learn to listen to one another. The Church becomes a listening Church to every segment of the Church. … The Church is a synodal Church insofar as it listens to the people," said Fr. Xavier.

Fr. Xavier elaborated on how Jesus's encounter with the Canaanite woman showcased the principles of dialogue, learning, and transformation. He highlighted Jesus's willingness to change His position in response to the woman's faith.

"There were two ideas—Jesus's position and then the woman's position. … Even though He had His position, even though He was convinced and was not going to compromise, He still had openness. In the process of listening, there was a change which was happening, even in Jesus. We see that Jesus changed His position. … Earlier, He was admonishing the woman, but later, we see Him admiring her. This is what we call dialogue, listening, learning, transformation. There was a change of mind and position taking place in Jesus in view of the faith that He saw in this woman. … There was also a change in the woman—she was completely healed," said Fr. Xavier. Both Jesus and the woman, he emphasized, learned from each other through the process of dialogue.

Fr. Xavier stressed the relevance of this example in our own lives. He pointed out that differences of opinion exist in families, communities, cultural groups, and even religious organizations, but dialogue and understanding are vital to unity. "We are called to be united. This is the unity of the Church, the unity of the children of God," he declared. He encouraged the practice of dialogue and discernment as pathways to the Kingdom of God here and now.

“We have our differences of opinion, and we are convinced that we are right. There are people with certain conservative opinions, and there are also people with certain more modern opinions. There has to be dialogue. Otherwise, what will happen? We will be fragmented. … Therefore, whatever may be our differences, whatever may be our convictions, whether spiritual or otherwise, we cannot just afford to say, ‘I have the truth. I know what is right. What I hold is correct, and what you hold is wrong. I cannot afford to take that stand.’ That is not the synodal spirit,” said Fr. Xavier.

As he concluded his homily, Fr. Xavier reiterated that at the end of the day, the most important thing in a synodal Church is “dialogue.”

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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.