Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si’ Farm conducted a blessing and lighting ceremony for its Christmas Tree and Belen last December 3, 2023.
The event featured song performances from the SVD Tagaytay Community Choir who regaled the attendees, including the SVD Farm's benefactors and donors, with songs significant to the seminary and to the Christmas season.
The blessing and lighting ceremony for the SVD Farm’s Christmas tree and belen has been a part of the Farm's annual Christmas season tradition since 2021. The first-ever such ceremony was conducted by the Farm last November 21, 2021, during its first year of operations. The following year, the ceremony was held on November 27, 2022.
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Prior to the celebration, the SVD Tagaytay Community's deacons constructed the SVD Farm's festive Christmas tree, while SVD Farm employees constructed the belen. (The belen, or the depiction of the Nativity scene, is situated at Kubo Bethlehem near the SVD Farm Signage.)
In a video message, Rev. Fr. Alexander Muaña, SVD, House Admonitor of the SVD Tagaytay Community, invited the public to join the event.
“On this special occasion, I invite you all to join us on behalf of the people for whom this tree will be lit. … Christmas is the time of year that is always associated with joy and expectation and wonder. It brings with it a warm glow that lights up the darkness and makes our thoughts turn to families and relationships,” Fr. Muaña said in his message.
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The event began with the Holy Rosary and the regular Sunday afternoon Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor. After the Holy Mass, the lights of the SVD Farm were turned off in preparation for the blessing and lighting ceremony.
After an introduction by Rev. Karl Cabanalan, SVD, the host of the program, Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orecny, SVD, Chaplain of the SVD Farm, expressed his gratitude to the attendees during his welcome message.
The main feature of the celebration was the SVD Tagaytay Community Choir who presented various song performances throughout the event. The choir, composed of the seminary's priests and seminarians, regaled the attendees with their “caroling” songs and encouraged them to feel the Christmas spirit.
The choir performed songs significant to the SVD Tagaytay Community, as well as various Christmas songs, such as "Isang Pamilya," "We Are SVD," "Pasko Para Sa Lahat," "Sound of Life," "Paskong Handog," and "Silent Night."
Finally, Rev. Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD, led the rites of blessing for the SVD Farm Christmas tree and belen, assisted by Rev. Fr. Ricardo Crisostomo, Jr., SVD.
After the rites of blessing, host Rev. Karl led the crowd in counting down the opening of the lights for the SVD Farm's southern, northern, eastern, and western areas, followed by the final countdown for the centerpiece of the SVD Farm's Christmas celebration—the belen.
"Tunay po ninyong ipinadarama sa amin na araw-araw, kahit hindi Pasko, ang diwa ng Pasko ay buhay na buhay sa ating lahat," said host Rev. Karl to the attendees as the event winded down.
Finally, Rev. Fr. Jhong Biton, SVD, Vice Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, provided the closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of the Advent season to the SVD Farm family and wishing everyone a happy Christmas season.
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Watch the video recap of the blessing and lighting ceremony for the SVD Farm Christmas tree and belen through the link below, featuring drone footage courtesy of Mr. Rodel Makinano.
Video Recap—SVD Farm Lighting Ceremony 2023
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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.