News—"We are in this blessed project, this farm. When (visitors) leave, do they take with them a message from God to help them?" says Cardinal Grech during visit to SVD Farm

Tagaytay City—His Eminence Mario Cardinal Grech graced the SVD Farm with his presence last January 24, 2024. During his visit, he described the SVD Farm as a "blessed project."

As part of his visit, Cardinal Grech attended a gathering at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo, during which he answered various theological questions from members of the SVD Tagaytay Community.

Afterwards, he presided over the Hol Mass at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor. In his homily, he talked about the beauty, divine providence, and selflessness evident in nature, as well as the importance of timing in God's plan.

Cardinal Grech began by highlighting the significance of nature in Jesus' teachings, emphasizing that Jesus found inspiration not within the temple but in the natural world. "Do we let nature teach us something about God?" he questioned, encouraging the community to reflect on the lessons offered by the surroundings.

Cardinal Grech shared his insights into the beauty and divine providence evident in nature. He drew parallels between the way nature operates and the theological teachings, emphasizing the selflessness of nature and its ability to distinguish between what is good and what is bad, a lesson from Pope Francis echoed in his words.

"Nature teaches me that it is not selfish at all. It is useful, not for itself, but for others. We have much to learn from nature," Cardinal Grech remarked, underscoring the altruistic nature of the natural world.

In his closing remarks, Cardinal Grech urged the SVD Farm and the SVD Tagaytay Community to embrace God's grace and recognize their freedom to accept or refuse it. "God provides water and air to vegetation, but then, it's up to each single plant or tree to drink the water. The grace of God is amongst us. God's grace is in us, but then we are in full liberty, freedom to accept or refuse God's water," he said.

"We are in this blessed project, this farm. Many come to visit it. ... When they leave here, do they take with them a message from God to help them?" said Cardinal Grech as a gentle challenge both to the SVD Farm and to its visitors.

The visit of Cardinal Grech left a lasting impression on the SVD Farm, fostering a deeper connection between spirituality and the natural world, and inspiring reflection on God's messages embedded in the beauty of creation.

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Watch a video recap of Cardinal Grech's visit to the SVD Farm through the link below:

Cardinal Grech's Visit to the SVD Farm

Watch Cardinal Grech's full homily through the link below:

Cardinal Grech's Homily at the Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor

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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