News—"Hindi ko alam noon na ganito ito kaganda," says Bishop Bartolome Santos of Iba during visit to the SVD Farm
Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm had the distinct privilege of hosting the Most Rev. Bartolome G. Santos, Jr, D.D., the Bishop of the Diocese of Iba, last September 17, 2023.
The pinnacle of Bishop Santos' visit was his celebration of the Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, at 3:00 PM.
In an interview, Bishop Santos revealed that he was initially unaware of the existence of the SVD Farm. It was during the National Synodal Consultation of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on July 6, 2022, hosted at the Carmelite Missionary Retreat House, that he was first introduced to the Farm's presence.
During this significant event, the SVD Farm provided food for the dinner for the attendees, providing an opportunity for Bishop Santos to meet Mrs. Marcelina “Lina” Cacal, the SVD Farm's Human Resources Manager, whom he worked with during their previous Bible apostolate work.
Bishop Santos shared that this was his fifth time visiting the SVD Farm. on him. However, it was during this particular visit that he chose to celebrate Holy Mass, as his previous visits were primarily dedicated to exploring the Farm's beautiful landscape and agricultural wonders.
When asked about his favorite aspect of the SVD Farm, Bishop Santos praised the fresh lumpia prepared by the Oies Kitchen. He underscored his deep appreciation for organic and healthful cuisine, which is thoughtfully crafted within the Farm's culinary spaces.
Bishop Santos also drew parallels between the SVD Farm and the similar ecosprituality undertaken in his own Diocese of Iba, which he described as an agricultural community. According to him, this visit deepened his affinity for the SVD Farm as an vibrant agricultural sanctuary.
In sharing his message with those contemplating a visit to the SVD Farm, Bishop Santos offered a succinct yet potent statement: "Hindi na po ako magpapaliwanag. Pagdating po ninyo dito, malalaman na ninyo kung ano ang dapat ipaliwanag. Go to the SVD Farm." (I won't explain further. When you arrive here, you will know what needs to be explained. Go to the SVD Farm.)
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During his visit to the SVD Farm, Bishop Santos delivered a homily that resonated deeply with those in attendance. With a thoughtful reflection on the Gospel of Matthew (18:21-35), he emphasized the profound importance of forgiveness and compassion in our lives.
Bishop Santos began his homily by referencing the verse where Jesus implores us to forgive not just seven times but seventy-seven times. He challenged the congregation with questions that touched the core of our human nature.
"Can you easily forgive when someone wrongs you? Have you ever been hurt? Have you been a victim? Have you been the one who had to go and tell the wrongdoer to repent? And when you do, are you met with resistance? Do you think, 'Why should I be the one to go? Isn't it their fault? They did the wrong; they hurt me. Why should I be the one to go?'," said Bishop Santos.
Bishop Santos further illuminated the meaning behind the Lord's call for boundless forgiveness. He explained that in Jewish culture, saying something seven times signified that it was already more than enough. However, Jesus elevated this idea by advocating not just seven times but seventy-seven times, signifying limitless forgiveness.
Drawing a poignant parallel between the pain of forgiveness and the pain of childbirth, Bishop Santos explained the Hebrew words "rachamim" and its root word "rechem," respectively meaning "compassion" and "womb." He emphasized that just as a mother's love can overshadow the excruciating pain of childbirth, our capacity for forgiveness should transcend the pain of our own wounds. This parallel, according to him, highlights the depths of our ability to show mercy.
Bishop Santos passionately conveyed that forgiveness should not merely be an act but should resonate deep within our hearts. He discussed the physical sensations associated with compassion, emphasizing that it comes from below the heart, from our loins—the softest part of our body. He likened this to the pain and joy experienced during childbirth, explaining that the love of a mother can subdue even the most intense physical pain.
Bishop Santos urged the attendees to let go of resentment, anger, and bitterness, stating that we should rely on God's strength rather than our own when it comes to forgiveness. He reminded everyone that God's love and compassion are immeasurably greater than our sinful deeds, and His forgiveness is always available to those who seek it.
In closing, Bishop Santos implored the attendees to seek God's grace of mercy and compassion, allowing these virtues to fill their hearts and motivate them to forgive, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times and beyond. He underscored that forgiveness is an integral part of our faith, a commitment we make when we receive the body and blood of Christ. As we strive to forgive, we mirror Christ's character and ensure our place in God's kingdom.
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Bishop Santos' visit not only enriched the spiritual ambience of the SVD Farm but also reinforced the importance of sustainable agriculture and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and the environment—a message that resonates deeply with the principles articulated in Laudato Si'.
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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.