The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Our Lady of Lindogon Shrine and commonly known as the Simala Shrine or the Simala Parish Church is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines.
This monastery is known for its castle-like church, proudly standing on a hill in Lindogon village in Sibonga.
The site hosts the image of the Our Lady of Lindogon which is believed to be miraculous by devotees of the Virgin Mary after it is attributed to the healing of those who were afflicted with dengue in the area in 1998 after it reportedly shed tears. The image has reportedly shed tears four more times, the latest being on September 8, 2016.
The image, originally attributed to be that of the Our Lady of Fatima, was donated to the Marian Monks by Terry Brooks from Pampanga. The construction of the Simala Shrine is also believed to be the realization of a prediction by Ingko Niyong Villamor that the hills of Lindogon, the current site of the shrine, would become "holy" once a "miraculous white lady reign in the place".
Wear proper outfit, there's a dress code in Simala Church. You will not be allowed to enter by the guards if you are wearing shorts, short skirt (must be below the knees), sleeveless dress or blouse, cropped topped or tube. Men must be wearing pants or jeans and a decent shirt, not shorts.
The Simala Shrine was built by Marian Monks who serve as the guardian of this sacred site. It is said to be the place where Mama/ Mother Mary had an apparition to one of the locals and the shedding of tears of the statue of Mama Mary. For devotees, visiting the church is a spiritual experience.
Once you enter the monastery, you will see a lot of letters from locals believed to have been healed by the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are also pictures, wheelchairs, books, graduation robes, etc.
The second part of the monastery is where you can write letters or prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Then beside it is a prayer station, where a replica of the statue of Virgin Mary is enshrined. It is believed that the image is miraculous as it is said to have shed tears once.
December 2020: Simala Church is now open to the public. Face mask and face shield are a must. Visitors must also observe social distancing at all times.