February 12, 2023 was a special day for Fazenda da Esperança (Farm of Hope) in the Philippines as the date marked its 20th year here in the country, and in June 2023, its 40th year since its foundation in Brazil. It was a whole-day event open to the public and held in its center for boys in Milagros, Masbate.
Beyond the gates of Fazenda Boys, there was a lively and inspiring atmosphere of celebration as balloons and banners decorated the natural spaces. The day was full of inspiring testimonies from graduates of its rehabilitation program, informative interviews and panel discussions with Fazenda’s Regional Managers and the Presidency from Brazil, and of course, live music from none other than the volunteers and missionaries of Fazenda.
As part of Fazenda da Esperança’s effort to be a self-sustaining community, products made by the boys and girls in recovery were showcased at the event. These were the same products that the boys and girls would distribute and sell in the province of Masbate as part of their share to help the Fazenda community with its daily needs. A long table of these products were on display for people to buy and enjoy.
The program started at 9:00 am with testimonies from boys and girls who graduated from their 12-month program and are now living a renewed life with their families. Soon, the farm was bustling with curious guests, inspired by how Fazenda has helped these boys and girls find a new way of living with God and others. Since spirituality is an important part of the life of the community, an event like this would not be complete without the celebration of the Holy Mass. By 10:30 am, a huge outdoor crowd gathered on the Fazenda grounds for the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Jose Bantolo, Bishop of Masbate.
After the Mass and a hearty lunch served by the community to all its guests, a program to commemorate the event followed. Among the guests were Angelúcia Moura and Ricardo Oliveira, part of the Presidency of Fazenda da Esperança-Brazil, who came to visit the Philippines to be part of this celebration. Together with Marinéia and Richardson Pereira, Regional Managers of Fazenda Asia, they spoke about the origins of Fazenda da Esperança in Brazil and its expansion to over 150 Fazendas in 24 countries around the world in the past 40 years. In the panel interview, they also shared how Fazenda da Esperança started in the Philippines and how its recovery program works and differs from many other rehabilitation centers in the country. Since many of the guests were not familiar with Fazenda da Esperança, they were given a chance to ask questions about how Fazenda helps those who are suffering from different kinds of addiction. They stressed how important it is for the families of the boys and girls in rehabilitation to take an active part in their son’s or daughter’s 12-month recovery program and how they can be part of the Living Hope Group, Fazenda’s extension outside the farm.
After the panel discussion, the volunteers, missionaries, graduates, and the boys and girls in the rehabilitation program, were introduced to everyone. And seeing how many lives were renewed by the Fazenda community, and how big the Fazenda family has grown in the Philippines, touched many of the guests who were present that day.
Music plays a big part in the life of the Fazenda community, and many of its volunteers and missionaries are blessed with artistic talents. Live music and dancing animated the gathering, inviting everyone to experience together the joy of celebrating this milestone in Fazenda da Esperança history.
The day ended with smiles on everyone’s faces, newfound friendships, and hearts filled with joy and hope. It was another day in Fazenda where everyone could say, “The heavens are also rejoicing.”
Kathleen Mae Meneses and Lulu Santos
