Back in 2019, my cousin (Nisyl) and I went to a famous church in Cebu, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist and popularly known as the Simala Shrine or Simala Church. This is located in Marian Hills, Lindogon Simala, Sibonga Cebu.
According to the information that I have read, it was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga and it used to be just an ordinary church until after the incidents of miraculous events. One of which is the shedding of tears of Mother Mary’s image. From then, people began flocking to the church.
As for us, Catholic devotees, we went there to offer our devotion, prayers, and petitions to the Virgin Mary with the hope that each petition and dedication would be answered. Non-believers also visit the place because of curiosity. We even saw some foreigners.
It was already late afternoon when we were there, so few people were present. Upon getting inside, the guard told me to have a scarf that can cover my legs since I was wearing a dress that was above the knee. They are always strict with the dress codes because it is a very sacred place. So what we did was we rented a long skirt from the vendor selling outside the church for us to be able to get inside the church.
Upon entering the vicinity, you'll be amazed at how huge the place is. We were like in a fairytale castle. I was thinking of how the place was being made and the people who work to make this beautiful architecture. On the right side, you'll descend the stairs towards the entrance of the church. The view from the top was magical.
Right in the middle, we saw a beautiful garden and a pond. That place was still under construction so we weren't able to go to that place.
When visiting the shrine to offer a petition or prayer, there are candles for sale (more or less Php35.00). Each color has a corresponding purpose. Here is a guide:
- White – Purity: enlightenment, guidance, the right path, etc.
- Yellow – Peace: courage, strength, hope
- Violet – Achievements: plans in life, journey, struggles, endeavors, voyage
- Red – Love: unity, family, friendship, engagement
- Pink – Thanksgiving, Happiness, Joy: physical, spiritual
- Orange- Reconciliation: sweetheart, husband, wife, family, enemy
- Gray – Deliverance : bad ways, things, spirits
- Green – Prosperity and Success : financial, business, study, exam
- Gold – Healing : good health, spiritual, recovery, family tree
- Cream – Conversion and Faith : household, children, couples
- Brown – Vocation : marriage bond, single life, God’s servant
- Blue – Perseverance : employment, career, promotions, assignment
- Black – Souls : pardon, forgiveness
After praying, we lined up towards the miraculous image of Mama Mary which was located in the upper part of the church. Going up, we took off our shoes and put them on a shoe shelf because we were not allowed to wear them to the altar of Mama Mary.
While lining up, we saw some pictures, letter, wheel chairs, catches and other things from some devotees displayed on the wall of the hallway. There were also letters of appreciation to Mama Mary for granting their prayers. I also made a letter when I went there before after taking my licensure exam for teachers and luckily was able to pass the exam.
After lining up, we saw the image of Mama Mary. It was quite big and we prayed for good health, peace, and love for everybody, especially our family.
After praying and writing our petitions, we went outside the church blessed, happy, and fulfilled.
Our visit to Simala Shrine/Church was so memorable. Prayer is indeed so powerful that it always gives us comfort in pain and heal our broken spirit. It is a way of communicating with God by talking about our problems to Him, or asking for forgiveness and help, or even expressing gratefulness for all the good things and lessons in life.
I pray that God will continue to bless all of us.. God bless everyone.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS POST!
Sabukidblog is a blog of a family who lives in the countryside of Cebu, Philippines. They decided to create a place where they could inspire their readers by sharing their life experiences, food trips, and travel adventures. They will also be sharing their simple life in the rural area.
If you want to read more stories from sabukidblog- an upvote, comment, follow and reblog would mean a lot to them. Join them as they share their stories together. God Bless everyone.