Tagaytay City—Over the years, the Ecospirituality Center of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm has become a haven for those seeking to deepen their spiritual connection while immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world.
The solemn dedication and blessing ceremony for the Ecospirituality Center was held last April 8, 2022.
Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, emphasizes that ecospirituality is “a new way of seeing” because “it considers caring for creation in its own right as a form of mission.”
Inspired by the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si', the retreat center and the hermitage stand as a testament to the harmonious relationship between spirituality and the environment.
Central to the philosophy of the Ecospirituality Center is the concept of ecospirituality, as articulated by Fr. Sam. This vision aligns with the challenge to Christians to incorporate ecological considerations into their faith practices. It emphasizes sustainable living, advocacy, and the formation of missionary communities dedicated to ecological conversion.
In this vein, the Ecospirituality Center stands as a testament to the belief that caring for the environment is an intrinsic aspect of spiritual practice. It is a form of mission that not only nourishes the soul but also addresses the urgent need for ecojustice. The center's very existence, guided by the Holy Spirit, represents a tangible embodiment of this ethos, inviting individuals to embrace a holistic way of life that honors both their spirituality and the planet.
The Ecospirituality Center provides a respite from the hectic pace of modern life. These facilities offer overnight accommodations, catering to both individuals and groups.
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The origins of the Ecospirituality Center trace back to March 29, 2022, when priests and seminarians from the SVD-Tagaytay Community embarked on the task of landscaping and planting on the area which would become the retreat house.
The culmination of these efforts resulted in the official opening of the Ecospirituality Center on April 8, 2022. During the dedication and blessing ceremony, the center's doors were opened to the public.
The blessing ceremony, which commenced at 10:00 AM, began with the song "Bayan Umawit," performed by the SVD Scholastics. Following this, the Memorial Marker was unveiled, a symbol of gratitude for and tribute to Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Tagle Jr., the beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Teodoro Sr. and Lydia Tagle, the generous donors of the Ecospirituality Center.
The unveiling of the marker was led by Vinny, Vito, and Dia Tagle. Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Pio Estepa, SVD, talked about the significance of the marker. Through his message, the attendees gained a better understanding of the vision that brought the Ecospirituality Center into existence.
A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, symbolizing the official opening of the Ecospirituality Center. Mr. and Mrs. Teodoro and Lydia took the center stage, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, and Rev. Fr. Diony Miranda, SVD.
The heart of the ceremony lay in the blessing of the Ecospirituality Center, a sacred ritual presided over by Rev. Fr. Michael “Mike” Layugan, SVD, Vice Provincial of the SVD Philippine Central Province. (At the time of publication, Fr. Mike is the President and Director of the Divine Word School of Theology (DWST).) During the blessing, Fr. Mike and assisting priests conducted the sprinkling of Holy Water, an act that sanctified the space and its purpose.
Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the culmination of efforts that led to the creation of the Ecospirituality Center. Afterwards, a Plaque of Appreciation was bestowed upon the Tagle family, whose contributions and dedication played a pivotal role in making the Ecospirituality Center a reality.
The event concluded with a sense of fulfillment, as attendees embraced the transformative potential of the Ecospirituality Center. Ushers led the way to snacks and refreshments, fostering an atmosphere of community and camaraderie.
The inauguration of the Ecospirituality Center was not only an acknowledgment of the intertwined nature of faith and ecology but also a celebration of the possibilities that arise when human intention and divine grace converge.
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The Ecospirituality Center offers a variety of accommodations for retreatants, ensuring their comfort and serenity. Upon request, experienced retreat masters from the SVD-Tagaytay Community are on hand to guide and lead individuals on their spiritual journeys, fostering an atmosphere of guidance and growth.
In a world that often rushes forward, the Ecospirituality Center provides a sanctuary for introspection, growth, and communion with both the spiritual and natural realms. Rooted in ecospirituality and guided by a commitment to sustainable living, these spaces stand as a living testament to the unity of faith and environmental stewardship.
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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.