Amidst the mountains in a secluded place, a newest attraction to the people. It is one of the holy places in the northern part of Cebu, in Tacup, San Remegio, Cebu, Philippines. THE CAPELINHA DE FATIMA REPLICA.
The sun shines brightly on this day as we travel to our proposed destination. This is my first visit to the place with my daughters, and everyone is very excited to witness the Replica of Fatima. On our way, we surpassed trees, farms, and lush grasses that gave us fresh air to breathe.
My husband had been here many times because some of his passengers wanted to visit the Replica. He suggested that we spend our Sunday reflecting. It is a 25-minute drive from our place at a minimum speed. There is a shortcut way to reach the place, you may enter into Anonang Sur Street if you are facing Bogo City, and you can pass the Arapal's farm. You may use the Google Maps for the proper location of the place. The road is not that wide because it is not a national highway, but it was concreted with a two way lane for convenience.
Even though the road is concrete, it's a little nerve-wracking to travel on a narrow road, especially if the road is busy. Passing on the shortcut way with uphill, downhill, and uphill is just like riding on a roller coaster. But despite the breathtaking ride, it is worth it when we reach the solemn place.
Who had thought that despite a woody mountainous area, a good archetictural design for Mother Mary was built? The little chapel where the exact image of Mother Mary was placed is enclosed in a huge sanctuary. This was built in 2021, and we are very blessed to have it here because, in Asia, it is the only Replica of Fatima and it is found in our nearest place.
This is the big sanctuary where the Replica is found. It was well planned, the landscaping, the architectural design, and other aminities like comfort rooms were constructed on both sides of Capelinha. The janitress and janitor monitored the cleanliness of the sacred place.
People are offering donations, petitions, and thanksgiving mass for the answered prayers. There are many pilgrims coming from faraway places just to spend time visiting the holy place.
Beyond these are the rocky mountains that almost touch the clouds. The colors of nature match everything to perfection. It was a tranquil place suited for reflecting on the past.
The cleanliness and tranquility are excellent inside the holy place. Some people are kneeling, some are facing the replica, whispering a prayer, and some are sitting in a marble bench. Others are writing a petition and drop it in a provided box. Everyone is focusing on their prayers and doesn't mind the people around them.
Since it is located on top of the mountain, no public utility vehicle will pass here. Pilgrims should ride in their own vehicles, or others should just rent vehicles to reach their destination. The outside vicinity is still under construction. It looks like they are expanding the pilgrim center. The parking spaces are sufficient for all vehicles, but they are not yet concreted.
Who donated the land?
Destined to be here, Mr. Balili and Mr. Ruiz, the generous land owners, agreed to donate their 3 hectares of hill land. Their good intentions and generosity are truly a blessing to everyone.
The sanctuary is overlooking to the sea in the northwest side of San Remegio, and bounded by mountains in the northeast side. The green color of the leaves of trees and grasses that surrounds really give coolness to our eyes.
During noontime everyone must bring umbrella or wear a hat for protection. But if you are now in the sanctuary you can feel slowly the coolness of the air that blows.
The faith of the people keep stronger as the days go by. Pilgrims come and go everyday to attend mass and novena. It is a great evident that some of the prayers are answered and some are continue to pray for a miracle.
This is simplybil saying bye for now, may you spend a little time of yours in reading my blog.