News—NCR Biblical Apostolate celebrates Season of Creation during retreat at the SVD Farm's Ecospirituality Center
Tagaytay City—The Ecospirituality Center of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm was the picturesque setting for the "Genesis to Jesus Seminar" organized by the NCR Biblical Apostolate and spearheaded by Ms. Marifel Sedano-Castriciones last September 2 to 3, 2023.
During the event, facilitators from the SVD Farm led the group in celebrating the Season of Creation and learning more about the Farm.
The event, co-organized by the Episcopal Commission on Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) under the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), drew attendees from various dioceses in the Philippines, fostering a sense of unity among the faithful. Among the participating dioceses were the Diocese of Bayombong-Nueva Vizcaya, Diocese of Pasig, Diocese of Parañaque, Diocese of Novaliches, Diocese of Cubao, and the Archdiocese of Manila.
The retreat, featuring the theme “Genesis to Jesus” aimed to deepen participants' understanding of the Bible and its profound teachings, tracing the spiritual journey from the Book of Genesis to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This spiritual retreat sought to empower attendees with a greater sense of biblical literacy, enabling them to connect more deeply with their faith.
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Prior to the commencement of the retreat, attendees were treated to a series of enriching activities to celebrate the Season of Creation. These pre-event activities, led by Ms. Marcelina C. Cacal, SVD Farm Human Resource Manager and a member of Bibliodrama Philippines (BP), set the tone for the event.
The first activity, guided by Ms. Cacal, centered around the concept of the "Body Prayer" intimately linked to selected Biblical verses. Participants were encouraged to engage with their bodies as instruments of prayer, echoing the sentiments of St. Francis of Assisi's timeless prayer "Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace".
Through a series of movements and balances, attendees were invited to reflect on their innermost thoughts and intentions, transforming them into heartfelt prayers. According to Ms. Cacal, each action within this practice was imbued with symbolism, inviting participants to harmonize their physical and spiritual selves. It was a powerful way to begin the retreat, allowing participants to embody their spiritual aspirations.
Afterwards, Ms. Cacal led a discussion about the history and purpose of the Season of Creation. This illuminating conversation shed light on the origins of the Season, its significance within the context of the Church's environmental stewardship, and its alignment with the teachings of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'’. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of this season and how it could be woven into their daily lives and spiritual journeys.
The discussion delved into the origins of the Season of Creation, its endorsement by Pope Francis, and its ecumenical nature, uniting various Christian denominations. The key dates, themes, and activities of the Season of Creation were highlighted, emphasizing its significance in addressing environmental challenges, promoting ecological stewardship, and fostering unity within the Christian community.
The discussion underscored the synergy between the Season of Creation and Laudato Si', serving as a guide for individuals and communities in their roles as stewards of the Earth. At the SVD Farm, this alignment with the values of the Season of Creation was evident through the Farm's commitment to sustainability, reflecting the deep connection between faith and environmental consciousness.
As participants embarked on their spiritual journey at the seminar, they did so with a renewed understanding of their shared responsibility in caring for our common home during the Season of Creation and beyond.
Finally, Ms. Cacal discussed the six pillars of sustainability practiced at the SVD Farm, encompassing sustainable farming, energy, water, livelihood, knowledge, and lifestyle. Ms. Cacal explained each of these pillars, emphasizing their role in nurturing both the environment and the spirit. Through the discussion, the attendees gained insights into how the Farm's commitment to ecological, social, and spiritual sustainability harmonized with their own faith and environmental values.
These Season of Creation activities not only deepened the participants' understanding of the ecological and spiritual aspects of their faith but also served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness between God's creation and humanity's role as stewards of the Earth.
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As the seminar concluded, participants left the SVD Farm with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual vitality. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to explore the Bible's teachings in the tranquil and eco-conscious environment of the Ecospirituality Center.
In the spirit of Laudato Si', the SVD Farm remains committed to providing a haven for spiritual reflection and ecological awareness, creating a space where the faithful can experience the beauty of God's creation while deepening their faith.
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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.