News—SVD Farm celebrates Holy Mass in honor of nativity of the Blessed Mother, 148th foundation day of SVD

Tagaytay City—In honor of the feast day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mass was celebrated last September 8, 2023, at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.

The Holy Mass, which was held at 10:00 AM, was also celebrated in honor of the 148th foundation day of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, presided over the Mass.

(On the same day, the SVD Tagaytay Community also celebrated the second day of this year’s Family Feast, the annual event during which members of the community unite and renew their shared commitment to mission as one family. The SVD Farm, as one of the institutions of the community, was blessed to be part of the celebration.)

Fr. Sam began his homily by emphasizing the significance of the Blessed Virgin Mary's role in human history. He stated, "We have the most important people in our lives, but here is a woman who gave all her life for humanity." He drew a parallel between Eve's transgression and Mary's divine mission, highlighting how Mary's "yes" to God redeemed and restored humanity, and thus, “we are given the privilege to share in the divinity of God.”

Fr. Sam's homily continued with a reflection on the SVD's history, emphasizing the importance of the congregation's 148th foundation day. He described the day as a tradition of unity among members of its community, including priests and seminarians, as well as friends and benefactors. He humorously shared his own involvement in the sports activities of the SVD Tagaytay Community’s Family Feast celebration that day and shared his intention to participate enthusiastically, not for victory but to celebrate this day as a celebration of the SVD family.

Elaborating on the history of SVD, Fr. Sam shared his excitement about the congregation's enduring presence in the country and the world. He marveled at the timing of the decision of SVD founder, St. Arnold Janssen, who chose the same birthday for the Blessed Mother as the founding day of SVD, entrusting their congregation to her maternal protection. 

Fr. Sam spoke about the importance of promoting devotion to the Virgin of the Poor, especially with her role as the patron of the SVD Farm. He further emphasized the Virgin Mary’s role as the patroness of the wounded and the suffering.

“Ang SVD ang nagdala ng mga unang estatwa ng Virgin of the Poor sa Pilipinas. Here at the SVD Farm, we would like to promote devotion to her. … Ang mga may sakit, pumupunta sa Lourdes. Ang mga naghahanap ng kapayapaan, pumupunta sa Fatima. … Ang mga may sakit sa puso, ang mga may hinanakit sa buhay, ang mga may wounds sa relationship, pumupunta dito sa SVD Farm, sa Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, because she is the patroness of the wounded and the suffering,” said Fr. Sam.

In a poignant moment, Fr. Sam touched on the subject of depression and inner wounds, which have become prevalent, especially during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. He encouraged individuals to offer their woundedness to the Blessed Mother, believing that she could bring them closer to her Son.

“I hope that the Church will also realize that it is wounded. Pope Francis said that the Church should be a Church of the poor. … There is no other way that the Church can be reformed and transformed unless it recognizes that the Church itself is poor, that the Church itself is suffering. … Only if the Church is humble enough to open that wound can the Church be healed and become the light to the nation and a sanctuary for humanity once again,” said Fr. Sam.

Fr. Sam continued his message by urging everyone “not to hide their wounds.” “If we open our wounds to the wound of Jesus, to our Blessed Mother, our wounds can be a light to our loved ones,” he said.

“Happy birthday to the Blessed Mother. … Please also don't forget to pray for the SVD, for our seminarians, for our missionaries. Thank you to the many of you who have always been helping us in our mission,” concluded Fr. Sam.

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The Holy Mass, which marked this significant double celebration, left the congregation with a profound sense of devotion, unity, and hope for the future as they continue to follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the mission of the SVD. Attendees offered their gratitude and shared in the sense of purpose instilled by Fr. Sam's heartfelt message.

Read more about the shared history of SVD, the Farm, and the Virgin of the Poor through the link below:

Feature—The shared history of SVD, the Farm, and the Virgin of the Poor

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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.