Hello everyone! It feels good to be writing here once again. I will share with you my recent travel as I visit Mama Mary in her newest home at CAPELINHA DE FATIMA SHRINE.
LITTLE BACKGROUND
It is with great honor and privileged that the Archdiocese of Cebu has been gifted with Capelinha De Fatima Shrine, which is termed to be one of the latest religious heritage around Cebu and the entire Philippines.
This image of Mama Mary honors her apparitions to the three children where she requested to have a church built for her.
Marian devotees and other Catholic faithful flocked here, especially during the significant dates of September and October. It is a religious destination where people visit and pray - humbly asking for healing, good health, and success in their endeavors. Some silently say their petitions and intentions and some are waiting for an answered prayer, may it be about studies, work, or life in general. This has become people's safest place to utter their heart's silent prayers and desires.
SHORT DEFINITION
The word Capelinha means small chapel, contrary to how the replicas have been built with huge perimeters. (This is to cater to the large number of devotees.)
ALMOST THERE!
When I saw the signage going to the shrine, I can't contain my excitement as I have seen a lot of pictures about it on social media and even stories of apparitions in the area. I want to visit and experience the holy place on my own.
The road going there is narrow and uncemented. Due to the constant rains the place experienced lately, the road has become a little difficult to pass by. Vehicles like lowered cars would find it a struggle to go there.
I was enjoying the view of the lush greens and the ups and downs of the road. I was entertained also by these rock formations.
ALMOST NO MORE 'CAUSE WE'RE HERE!
After an eight-minute ride from the highway, we arrived at the shrine.
It has a wide parking space enough to accommodate thousands of devotees. I was stunned at how plain and big the area is.
Before I went inside, I bought candles to light up, said a little prayer, and carefully took my few steps inside.
It was just an ordinary day but still, there are a number of people visiting the area.
The place with its spacious surrounding made me feel at ease, relaxed and safe. After I say my short prayer and as I was gazing in awe at how huge the shrine is, it made me realize the grand, unequaled, and incomparable love and affection God has always given us. Imperfect people as we are who keep failing God, His immeasurable love always finds ways to reach us. No matter how distant we have become, He always draws Himself closer to us. No matter how big our problem is, confident enough that we have a bigger God. If ever you feel you have been lost in life, here, you'll feel that you are welcomed and at home, in His presence, through the intercession of Mama Mary.
WHAT MAKES THIS REPLICA SPECIAL?
Capelinha De Fatima Replica Shrine is special because there are only four of its kind around the world and only one in the Philippines, and blessed enough to have it in our province.
How to get there?
Through public vehicle: From the North Bus Terminal, ride a bus going to Lambusan, San Remigio and tell the driver that you're going to Capelinha. They know it right away. From the drop off area, ask the locals for a vehicle for hire to take you to the shrine.
Through private vehicle: Set your Waze or Google Maps. You can traverse either Bogo route or via Tabuelan area.
That's all for today's blog. Be well. Be safe. Until the next writing.