News—SVD Farm concludes Laudato Si' Week, May as month of Flowers for Mary, with blessing of new St. Thérèse Flower Garden

Tagaytay City—The SVD Laudato Si' Farm blessed its new flower garden, inaugurated as the St. Thérèse Flower Garden, last May 30, 2024, during a solemn yet celebratory activity.

This occasion marked the belated culmination of the SVD Farm's celebration of Laudato Si' Week and its "Flowers for Mary" activities for May.

The garden, named in honor of St. Thérèse of Lisieux—the patron saint of florists and of mission—was blessed by Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD. The ceremony was attended by members and guests of the SVD Farm, as well as seminarians and priests of the SVD Tagaytay Community.

Attendees assembled at the St. Peter Fishpond and Gazebo for a short procession to the Flower Garden. The procession was a vibrant display, led by seminarians from the SVD Tagaytay Community. Other attendees included SVD Tagaytay priests and co-missionaries, as well as SVD Farm employees and members of other organizations.

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When the participants arrived at the Flower Garden, the program proper began. Mrs. Olive Tolentino served as host for the event.

Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, SVD, the Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, delivered an opening message. In his message, he also expressed gratitude to Dr. Carmelita Francisco, donor of the garden.

Afterwards, the formal rites of blessing for the garden were led by Fr. Dionisio "Diony" M. Miranda, SVD.

The blessing was followed by the reveal of the official name of the newly-blessed location—the St. Thérèse Flower Garden. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Fr. Diony and Dr. Carmelita Francisco.

After the ribbon-cutting, Fr. Diony then proceeded to lead the blessing of the flowers and the interior of the garden, as well as of the gathered attendees.

After the blessing, the participants joined together in a communal song and dance performance of Laudato Si'.

Finally, simple snacks were shared among the attendees, rounding off the event with a sense of community and joy.

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The St. Thérèse Flower Garden stands as a testament to the shared efforts and devotion of the SVD Farm and its community, embodying the principles of care for creation and spiritual enrichment.

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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