Features—Patricia de Vela, SVD Farm and Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor volunteer, shares her story

The SVD Laudato Si' Farm stands as a testament to the profound impact that dedicated individuals can make on both the earth and the spirit.

Meet Patricia Santos de Vela, a young devoted volunteer to the Farm, who embodies the spirit of selfless service and unwavering faith that has come to define this remarkable initiative. In this feature, may we be inspired by her story.

Patricia's journey of volunteerism at the SVD Farm began even before the Farm formally opened to the public in January 2021. Five months prior, in September 2020, she joined as a volunteer during the initial clearing and planting for the Farm.

Accompanied by her classmates from the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies' (DWIMS) Certificate in Mission Studies (CMS) Program, as well as priests and seminarians from the Divine Word Seminary (DWS) of Tagaytay, Patricia helped in preparing the ground that would eventually flourish into the Farm as the sanctuary it is today.

From the outset, Patricia's motivation for volunteering was clear: a heart yearning to offer her time and skills where they were needed most.

"I will always gladly volunteer in places where I am needed," Patricia shared. "But, time with God, especially in the Eucharist, is not volunteer work for me, but a privilege."

During the first year of the SVD Farm, Patricia also volunteered at the SVD Café, the first food and beverage location built at the Farm.

Reflecting on her time at the Café, Patricia said, "It was one of my dreams to work in a café or restaurant, and with this, I was given the chance to tick off a box in my bucket list! … It was hectic but so much fun, especially greeting people with a smile and working with the employees."

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Among Patricia's cherished memories at the Farm are also encounters with the spiritual. She shared one such moment—an ordinary Saturday morning Mass turned extraordinary.

Despite the weariness of her workweek, Patricia embraced her role as a lector at the SVD Farm’s Chapel of the Virgin of the Poor, a role that she volunteers for until today. As she stood before the congregation at the Chapel, which at that time was only a few people, an unexpected wave of emotion swept over her. Tears flowed, not from fatigue, but from a profound connection with the miracle of the Holy Eucharist, Patricia shared.

It was in that moment that Patricia found solace, reassurance, and the unbreakable bond with Christ that would sustain her. “I found myself crying. It was the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that united my heart with Christ. I found peace knowing that God will be my rest,” she shared.

Another moment of realization came to Patricia during a recollection led by Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community.

Patricia shared that she was captivated by the story of the Virgin of the Poor, as told by Fr. Sam. According to her, this encounter rekindled her understanding of the power of devotion to Mary and its transformative influence on her own life.

"Even when others may seem to doubt us, with Mary as our mother, we are always in good hands," Patricia reflected.

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For young souls such as her who are eager to embrace the Farm's mission and make a difference, Patricia offers a heartfelt message.

"Supporting and volunteering at the SVD Farm was and has always been a weekend delight for me. … You have nothing to lose but stress and anxiety here."

Patricia's journey at the SVD Farm stands as a testament to the immense impact that individuals can have when they devote themselves to a higher purpose. Her service, marked by unwavering dedication, is a living example of how faith can grow when nurtured with love.

As the Farm continues to evolve and inspire, Patricia's story serves as an enduring reminder that through selfless service and a heart open to God's grace, we can cultivate not only the land but also the depths of our souls.

Read more about the shared history of SVD, the Farm, and the Virgin of the Poor through the link below:

Feature—The shared history of SVD, the Farm, and the Virgin of the Poor

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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, look for Ms. Abigail Eco Ygot or contact us through:

📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.