Features—"It's only through and from the heart of Jesus ... that justice and peace could be experienced by humanity," says Fr. Sam Agcaracar, SVD, in Season of Creation message
The SVD Laudato Si' Farm celebrated the Season of Creation with arms wide open, embracing a profound message of justice, peace, and spiritual encounters. Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, delivered an inspiring message for this important season.
In his message, Fr. Sam tours significant areas of the SVD Farm and talks about the Season of Creation.
The theme of this year’s Season of Creation celebration, drawn from Amos 5:24, urges us to "Let justice and peace flow." This theme, symbolized by “a mighty river,” resonates deeply with the Christian faith, as Fr. Sam explained in the beginning of his message, set at the waterfalls area near the Farm’s Ecospirituality Center.
Fr. Sam discussed how justice and peace emanate from the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a testament to God's infinite love for humanity. He reminded us that true fulfillment of life can only be realized through the benevolent heart of Jesus.
Fr. Sam emphasized the pivotal role played by the SVD Farm in manifesting this theme. He underscored that each visit to the Farm is more than just an opportunity to bask in the tranquility of nature; it is an invitation to engage actively in concrete actions to safeguard our shared home. The Farm's diverse and concrete initiatives, encompassing the nurturing of the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo, its farm production areas, and its vibrant landscapes, beckon visitors to become active participants in the spirit of Laudato Si'.
The SVD Farm, according to Fr. Sam, transcends its role as a sanctuary for encounters with the divine and the natural world. It stands as a place where visitors are encouraged to collaborate with the Farm. “Every visit you make here signifies your collaboration with our vision, with our mission, as a place where one encounters God, nature, and other people," he said,
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Fr. Sam also talked about the SVD Farm’s chapel which he described as a sacred space where Masses are celebrated and the Sacrament of Confession is offered, inviting all to deepen their connection with God.
The iconic Virgin of the Poor, recognized as the patroness of the SVD Farm, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing simplicity and poverty, said Fr. Sam. “We believe that the Laudato Si' spirit challenges us to embrace our poverty, going back to the soil, poverty where we can once again encounter the treasure of God,” he said.
Fr. Sam expressed his hope that through the Season of Creation and the SVD Farm, individuals can rediscover the treasure of God and partake in the profound experiences of peace and justice.
As the Season of Creation continues, Fr. Sam extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Laudato Si' Movement for its enduring inspiration. He earnestly called upon friends and supporters, urging them to stand shoulder to shoulder with the SVD Farm on their mission of preserving “our common home.”
He warmly invited everyone to visit the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, to seek solace in prayer, and to partake in the blessings and healing that have touched the lives of many who have journeyed to the SVD Farm.
The SVD Farm remains unwavering in its commitment to its mission, steadfastly serving as "a place of encounter with God, nature, and other people." In the spirit of Season of Creation 2023, the Farm continues to shine as a beacon of hope, justice, and peace, extending an open invitation for all to join in their noble mission of environmental stewardship and spiritual enrichment.
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Watch Fr. Sam’s video message for the Season of Creation through the link below.
Season of Creation 2023—Fr. Sam's Message
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