News—"Heaven is the farm where everything is there for all of us," says Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, during Holy Mass for first-ever Dinner for a Cause at SVD Farm
Tagaytay City—During the first-ever Dinner For A Cause fundraising event last April 21, 2023 at the SVD Laudato Si' Farm, Rev. Fr. Agerico “Jerry” Orbos, SVD, delivered an impactful homily that resonated deeply with the attending 500+ benefactors of the Farm and their connection to the mission of the Farm.
The Holy Mass for the event was held at the SVD Holy Spirit Chapel at 5:00 PM. Afterwards, the program was conducted at the SVD Farm’s St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo.
Amidst the challenges posed by an unexpected rainstorm during the event, Fr. Jerry encouraged everyone to be grateful for surviving the pandemic, a sentiment directly linked to the broader mission of the SVD Farm.
"Before anything else, let's just be grateful. We survived the COVID-19 pandemic. We're all together. I'm happy you're here, happy you're still alive," said Fr. Jerry. This gratitude aligned with the Farm's mission, which focuses on ecological stewardship and the appreciation of God's creation.
Fr. Jerry's message extended beyond gratitude to mindfulness, urging attendees to reflect on their place in the grandeur of creation. He highlighted, "How little we are. We’re just dust in the wind." His words served as a reminder that the legacy we leave behind is not in our material achievements but in the love and positive impact we create in the lives of others. This sentiment beautifully echoed the SVD Farm's commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability.
Furthermore, Fr. Jerry stressed the importance of community and connections. He encouraged attendees to move beyond self-centered worship, stating, "God is more happy if you realize me and the people around me." This call for unity and a sense of responsibility towards others resonated with the SVD Farm's mission, which seeks to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment.
Balancing material success with emotional fulfillment was another key theme in Fr. Jerry's homily. He reminded the audience, "God bless your work, but God bless your heart." This sentiment aligned perfectly with the SVD Farm's mission, which not only promotes ecological sustainability but also emphasizes the well-being of the heart, both spiritually and emotionally.
Fr. Jerry also urged attendees to have a compassionate heart that includes even those they may find challenging. He emphasized, "And today, we say to the Lord, Lord, receive my human heart. Help me not to forget my heart. And Lord, help me not to forget the little hearts around me. The poor, the sick, the lonely." This message beautifully reflected the generosity of the SVD Farm's benefactors and their commitment to the mission of the farm.
"Heaven is the farm where everything is there for all of us," added Fr. Jerry. With these words, he beautifully encapsulated the essence of the farm's mission and the profound connection between the earthly and the divine. Fr. Jerry conveyed that the Farm is not just a place but a sacred space where nature and spirituality converge, offering a glimpse of the beauty and grace that heaven promises to all.
Fr. Jerry's homily served as a powerful reminder to the benefactors of the SVD Farm of the profound impact of their generosity. His words reinforced the farm's mission of ecological stewardship and community building, fostering a sense of gratitude, love, and responsibility for the environment and fellow human beings. In the years to come, the positive influence of the SVD Farm and its benefactors will undoubtedly continue to flourish, creating a lasting legacy of hope and unity.
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Watch the Holy Mass for the Dinner For A Cause 2023 event through the link below:
SVD LAUDATO SI' FARM: Dinner for a Cause - Eucharistic Celebration
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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.