Tagaytay City—Last Good Friday, March 29, 2024, the SVD Laudato Si' Farm came alive with devotion and unity as the community gathered for the Grand Stations of the Cross. This annual event, steeped in tradition, drew participants from all walks of life, each carrying the symbolic cross from one station to the next, embodying the spirit of sacrifice and reflection.
The Grand Stations of the Cross was conducted across signification locations across the SVD Farm and the SVD Tagaytay Seminary.
The solemn ceremony commenced at the Holy Spirit Chapel of the SVD Tagaytay Seminary, where altar servers and members of the choir led the procession to the First Stationday. The Poblete family, represented by Ms. Nita, took the honor of bearing the cross to the First Station.
From there, the responsibility was handed over to the senior citizens, who carried it to the Second Station. There, employees from the Ecospirituality Center Unit and St. Michael Souvenir & Oies Kitchenette Units took charge. Afterwards, they passed the cross to the group of single parents who brought it to the Third Station.
There, the Pastoral family then stepped forward at the Third Station. Afterwards, they entrusted the cross to the bukyo and tricycle drivers.
Representatives from the SVD Farm's Human Resources, Operations, Finance, and Spirituality Offices took over at the Fourth Station. Afterwards, retired and active teachers then brought the cross to the Fifth Station, highlighting the lifelong commitment to education and mentorship.
The Gumpal family bore the cross to the Sixth Station, followed by students who reflected the hope and future of the community. The SVD Farm’s Farm Production and General Services Imots then took over, representing the backbone of the Farm's daily operations. Afterwards, they handed the cross to local business owners and vendors at the Seventh Station.
Dan and Ace Ferrer, along with their family, then carried the cross to the Eighth Station, and then passed it on to the youth. Afterwards, the Tolentino and Park family then moved it to the Ninth Station, and then passing it onto the attending grandfathers and fathers.
At the Tenth Station, the combined efforts of Dr. Rose and Chef Robert Clemeña and the Mojica families brought the cross onward. Afterwards, they passed the cross to the attending grandmothers and mothers, who carried it to the Eleventh Station. There, the Moralde family and Don & Rachel Mina then took the cross to the Twelfth Station.
The Manere family bore the cross to the Thirteenth Station, followed by missionaries, alumni of the Certificate in Theological Studies (CTS) program and the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies (DWIMS), who carried it to the Fourteenth Station. Finally, the SVD Tagaytay Seminary Scholastics led the procession back to the Holy Spirit Chapel, culminating the journey.
At the end of the event, at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, a short yet inspiring message was delivered by Fr. Samuel "Sam" N. Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Laudato Si' Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community.
Finally, the attendees stayed for a while at the chapel to adore the Holy Cross.
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Throughout the Stations of the Cross, each group brought a unique dimension of the SVD Tagaytay Community and the SVD Farm, from ecospirituality and agriculture to daily labor and spiritual growth. This profound display of faith and unity on Good Friday served as a poignant reminder of the collective strength and devotion that binds the SVD Farm community together.
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org