News—"Thank you, Lord, for giving us St. Joseph Freinademetz!," says Bishop Arturo Bastes in homily for SVD Farm third anniversary

Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm’s celebration of its third anniversary last January 29, 2024, along with the feast day of St. Joseph Freinademetz, SVD, began with the 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.

Bishop Arturo presided over the Holy Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, accompanied by priests from the SVD Tagaytay Community as concelebrants.

In an interview before the Holy Mass, Bishop Arturo shared his amazement at the rapid development of the SVD Farm, adding that today's concurrent celebration of the feast day of St. Joseph Freinademetz, SVD, expresses the missionary nature of the Farm, of the SVD Tagaytay Community, and of the Divine Word Missionaries as a whole.

In his homily, Bishop Arturo guided the attendees in an in-depth exploration of the life and legacy of St. Joseph Freinademetz, SVD, emphasizing the beloved saint’s humility and passion for mission.

Bishop Arturo highlighted the missionary's miraculous endeavors, including his influential work in China, where he played a pivotal role in the growth of the Catholic Church. He recounted the challenges faced by the missionary and the remarkable achievements that ultimately led to the first non-white and the first Chinese cardinal in the Catholic Church, Most Rev. Thomas Tien Ken-sin, SVD, and the overall development of the Catholic community in the country.

Bishop Arturo also urged the attendees to emulate the missionary spirit of St. Joseph Freinademetz and to recognize the importance of mission work in spreading the message of Christ. He emphasized that by knowing and loving Christ, people can contribute to the propagation of the faith.

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At the end of the Holy Mass, a  message of gratitude was delivered by Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community.

In his message, Fr. Sam thanked the #FriendsOfTheFarm who have been helping the SVD Farm from its humble beginnings, throughout its three fruitful years of #FaithFarmingAndFood. "This place has connected many people. I have met many friends and many friends of friends through this place. This is the fellowship, for which we thank God, that we have through the SVD Farm,” said Fr. Sam.

"God has done so many great things for the seminary, for the SVD Tagaytay Community, through the SVD Farm," Fr. Sam concluded.

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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