Tagaytay City—Last January 29, 2024, the SVD Laudato Si' Farm celebrated its third anniversary, along with the feast day of St. Joseph Freinademetz, SVD.
The SVD Farm’s celebration of three years of #FaithFarmingAndFood featured the Holy Mass and a special dinner and gathering for the #FriendsOfTheFarm at the Ecospirituality Center’s Al Fresco ni San Francesco.
The SVD Farm’s third anniversary gathering brought together a diverse group of attendees, including representatives from the SVD Tagaytay Community, including priests and seminarians, representatives from the SVD Farm, including managers and employees, and the benefactors and supporters of the SVD Farm, dubbed #FriendsOfTheFarm.
The celebration kicked off at 3:00 PM with a Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, a sacred moment presided over by Most Rev. Arturo M. Bastes, SVD, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Sorsogon. The choice of date, coinciding with the feast day of St. Joseph Freinademetz, added a special spiritual significance to the occasion.
Following the Holy Mass, attendees proceeded to the new Al Fresco ni San Francesco at the Ecospirituality Center. The newly-constructed dining area received a heartfelt blessing led by Rev. Fr. Raqui Aquino, SVD, emphasizing the importance of communal spaces in fostering fellowship and shared moments.
Afterwards, the program commenced, led by hosts Frt. Jonathan Florino, SVD, and Frt. Eoin Hubilla, SVD. The event began with introductory messages, followed by a video presentation highlighting the history of the SVD Farm, showcasing its growth and contributions over the past three years.
Afterwards, song performances from the priests of the SVD Tagaytay Community, including Rev. Fr. Samuel "Sam" Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, Rev. Fr. Ricardo "Jhon" Crisostomo, Jr., SVD, General Manager of the SVD Farm, Rev. Fr. Severo “Jong” Biton, Jr., SVD, Vice Rector of Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST) and Director of the SVD Postulancy, and Rev. Fr. Stanislav Orečný, SVD,Chaplain of the SVD Farm and Prefect of the SVD Tagaytay Scholastics. The performances added a delightful musical element to the celebration, creating an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie.
As the program neared its end, Rev. Fr. Antolin Uy, SVD, blessed the proceedings and blew out the ceremonial cake made for the occasion, infusing the day with spiritual grace and appreciation for the sustenance provided.
Finally, the closing message and prayer was delivered by Rev. Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD, expressing gratitude for the journey of the SVD Farm and its meaningful impact on the community. Fr. Corcuera's message encapsulated the spirit of the anniversary celebration, emphasizing unity, shared purpose, and the commitment to sustainable and spiritual practices.
As the sun set on the beautiful landscape of the SVD Farm, the third anniversary celebration concluded, leaving a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the continued growth and positive impact of this blessed project in the years to come.
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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