Cebu is a Marian province. Almost every town and city has Mama Mary as a patroness – Lapu-Lapu has the Virgen sa Regla and Cebu City has Birhen sa Guadalupe. Perhaps one of the most popular Marian shrines in the world is the Miraculous Mama Mary of Lindogon, Sibonga. Basically, we love our heavenly mother, and we are not shy about expressing it. However, it was only three years ago when I found out about the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Shrine in La Paz, Bogo City.
I first visited it in 2018 when I took the board exam. Going to Bogo from Cebu City means sitting on a bus for four hours, but it was worth it. You see, when I took the Licensure Examination for Teachers, I was never confident because I am not an education graduate and there was intense pressure to perform well in the exam. When I passed, I promised that I would visit the shrine again.
So, life happened, and I was never able to make true of the promise. The school works piled up which made it difficult to spend a full day off. I still look at the photos I took there and remind myself that I have a promise to fulfil.
And finally, after three years, I was able to do that.
Unique Features
The Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Shrine is very easily seen because it sits on top of a hill. The Marian image is very prominent because well, it’s probably the biggest you will find in all of Cebu.
There are 150 steps leading to the Shrine. The first three steps are big because they are supposed to represent the Holy Trinity. The remaining steps are the Hail Marys prayed for every mystery because when it was constructed there were yet only three mysteries.
It is quite challenging getting to the top, but you can always rest in between steps. There are a lot of plants around so you can just feel the air and let the wind relieve you of discomfort. An alternative passage is available for those who have vehicles or for those who want to skip the steep stairs up.
The shrine is small and simple. An altar with a smaller image of the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal is enshrined. There is also a pulpit for celebrating the masses. You cannot take a photo in this area so as not to desecrate the altar.
The awnings serve as shade for visitors. As this is a very simple place you can pray and ask for Mama Mary’s intercession of your prayers in peace.
Unlike other Marian shrines, there are only a few vendors in the area. There is a sole sari-sari store on top of the hill if you want to grab snacks or drinks. There are also candles there. There are drums designated for lighting the candles.
Overall, the shrine is straightforward. Your pilgrimage will be more meaningful since there are fewer distractions around. You can also get a 360-degree view of the area and appreciate nature although noticeably, there is already a housing project just beside the shrine.