“You Are Standing on Holy Ground,” Cardinal Tagle Says During Visit to SVD’s Laudato Si’ Farm

Despite the rain, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle visited the SVD’s Laudato Si’ Farm in Tagaytay City on July 20, celebrating Mass with friends, benefactors of the Divine Word Seminary and the farm, as well as visitors.

“The Cardinal has been an inspiration as my professor, a bishop, and now a global influencer for meaningful and relevant evangelizing witness,” said Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, Executive Director of the farm, in an interview with Radio Veritas Asia.

A post on the farm’s official social media page highlighted Cardinal Tagle’s homily, in which he recalled his early seminary years trekking from the Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol Seminary through what was then a “scary,” overgrown forest to reach the Pink Sisters’ convent for Mass.

“You are stepping on holy ground. This is the home of the Creator, and we are guests,” the Cardinal said, stressing that the farm is more than a place for recreation it is a sacred space where one can encounter the Divine.

Cardinal Tagle also urged reflection on humanity’s responsibility toward creation: “Let us strike our hearts and ask: What have we done to our planet?”

Fr. Agcaracar expressed deep gratitude for the Cardinal’s enduring support and spiritual encouragement: “Cardinal Tagle’s presence and words continue to inspire us and bear witness to the Church and creation.”

After the Mass, guests were invited to tour the vegetable gardens and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch, lovingly prepared by Chef Babes and her team at the Al Fresco section of the Eco-Spirituality Center.