"An excitement journey to a holy church." That's how I described it. It was Sunday when my brother and sister decided to visit at Simala Parish Church.
The Simala Shrine located at Southern part of Cebu Province. It is known as a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site in south. It is believed to be miraculous by devotees of the Virgin Mary.
Visit and know these things.
- Never wear short skirts or anything below the knee. The place is scared that every devotee should follow the simple rules.
- Bring Umbrella when visiting. The Shrine is very wide castle like structure and has a very long pathway. You don't like heat of the sun for sure.
Do not buy anything outside the Church. Yes! Sounds stupid, but if you want to buy a rosary or any souvenir items, just buy inside the church they have their own shop and it is much more cheaper. And you'll avoid being scammed.
When you are inside of the church take off your shoes or sandals. One of how you respect the church. Just put it in a place where you can easily find.
Expect a long line. Is not that the shrine has a long line when you wanted to visit the place. The long line is when you need to see and touch the actual miraculous image of Virgin Mary. So never forget the umbrella.
- Light a candle according to your desire color. When you want to light a candle, you can purchase it to their own shop and they have these colored candles with different meaning. Check below image to understand the color meaning.
- Check and read a lot of testimony of healing and guidance from the most HIGH. From unknown sickness, cancer to passing bar exam. A lot of devotees visited the shrine believe of the miracle of the Virgin Mary.
How to get there?
When riding a BUS. From Cebu City South Bus Terminal take a ticket to Simala worth more or less Php 100.00 per head. Just ask the conductor about your drop off near Simala Church.
When using car navigate the place using google maps or waze. The place is not that hard to find, just prepare a parking fee around Php 10.00 to 20.00.
