Tagaytay City—Carabaos, chickens, goats, and other farm animals, as well as visitors’ pets, paraded during a warmhearted procession at the SVD Laudato Si' Farm last May 21, 2023.
In a display of devotion and appreciation for God’s creation, the SVD Farm hosted a belated yet grand celebration of the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the revered patron saint of farmers. (The feast day of San Isidro Labrador is May 15, 2023.)
The festivities began with a solemn Holy Mass at 3:00 PM at the Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Son Bao Nguyen, SVD.
During the Mass, the workers and employees of the Farm and visitors who attended the event came together to praise God and offer prayers of thanksgiving to Him for the Farm and for all of His creation.
Following the Mass, at around 3:45 PM, the highlight of the celebration took place—the charming procession of the animals within the Farm’s premises. Attendees to the event were treated to the endearing sight of farm animals and pets being led through the Farm as they participated in the event.
The farm animals from the SVD Farm which were featured during the procession included carabaos, ducks, chickens, pigs, rabbits, peacocks, goats, among others. (One of the Farm’s goats, affectionately named “RR” and adorned with a ribbon, captured hearts during last year’s parade. However, she passed away and was not present during this year’s event. Nevertheless, attendees were able to dote on the Farm’s other animals this year.)
Various pets, such as cats and dogs, brought along by attendees, also joined the procession.
After the procession, a karakol dance was presented by volunteers from Amadeo and other nearby areas. Attendees were also encouraged to join the karakol.
After the karakol, the blessing of the animals was led by Rev. Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD.
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The event served as a reminder of the Farm's commitment to sustainable farming practices and ethical treatment of animals. Laudato Si’, the papal encyclical which is the inspiration for the SVD Farm, reminds us of the importance of caring for animals, both farm animals and pets, as part of our responsibility to care for God's creation. Animals are members of our “common home,” and as such, we are all called to care for them. “It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly,” Pope Francis said.
San Isidro Labrador holds profound significance for the SVD Farm as the revered patron saint of farmers. In the Philippines, the devotion to San Isidro Labrador takes a unique twist, particularly regarding the animal associated with the saint.
While in many parts of the world, the ox is the animal commonly linked to San Isidro Labrador, in the Philippines, it is the carabao that holds this special association. This adaptation reflects the country's agricultural landscape, where the carabao has played a vital role in farming practices, being the reliable partner of Filipino farmers, assisting in plowing fields and other essential tasks. In fact, the procession of farm animals and pets at the SVD Farm is reminiscent of the “Kneeling Carabao Festival” held in Pulilan, Bulacan, during the feast day of San Isidro Labrador. During this event, carabaos march in procession and kneel in front of carabaos kneel in front of the San Isidro Labrador Parish Church to thank the saint for his intercession for the farmers’ harvest.
The procession of farm animals and pets at the SVD Farm was a success, filled with moments of spirituality, joy, and appreciation for the natural world. The event emphasized the interdependence of humans and animals in cultivating the land and the importance of showing kindness and respect to all living beings.
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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.