Hello warriors!
HAVE YOU EVER VISITED A CASTLE?
Yes, you heard it right. A castle in the Philippines? Sounds impossible, right?
Ready your best poses and make sure to power up your cameras because for sure this place is a picture worthy!
I'm gonna take you to Cebu's Castle Church - The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist!
Simala or also called as Birhen sa Simala is widely known in Cebu City not only for its castle-like building but also for its miracles. It has gained its popularity thru the testimonials from devotees and believers.
It is said that if you pray to the Birhen with purity and sincerity in your heart, your prayers will be heard. Some ties their prayers in a balloon and let it fly above the sky.
The first part of the monastery is the testimony hall area. It is where the thank you letters to the Virgin Mary is being displayed. There are also items donated by the locals who believe their prayers were granted by the miraculous Virgin Mary.
You will be amazed by how many wheelchairs, cranes, uniforms, name pins, books, drawings, and pictures are being displayed showing Mary's miracles.
There is also a station where you can kneel and pray in fort of Mother Mary's statue.
Mother Mary's Tears
According to the witnesses and to the official records, the sacred statue of our Blessed Mother had shed tears on the following dates:
August 17, 1998
August 22, 1998
September 8, 1988 (Mama Mary's Birthday)
October 13, 1998 (Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima's apparition)
December 29, 1998
September 8, 1999 (Mama Mary's Birthday)
There is also a souvenir store inside the monastery for those who want to have a remembrance. Various items are being sold like the replicas of the Virgin Mary and of different patron and saints, angels, rings, crucifix, rosaries, prayer guides and bibles. You can also ask the priest to have it blessed.
Candles and Its Meanings
There are available colored candles being sold by nuns. Proceeds of the candles will be given to the monks for their daily living expenses.
These candles has its own meaning so if you visit, pick the right color for you.
Gold – Healing (good health, recovery, spiritual, family tree)
Green – Prosperity/Success (exam, study, financial, business)
Blue – Perseverance (employment, career, assignment, promotions)
Violet – Achievement (plans in life, struggles, endeavors, journey, and voyage)
Red – Love (unity, friendship, engagement, family)
Yellow – Peace (courage, strength, hope)
White – Purity (enlightenment, guidance, right path)
Orange – Reconciliation (sweetheart, wife, husband, enemy, family)
Pink – Thanksgiving/Happiness/Joy (spiritual, physical)
Black – Souls (forgiveness, pardon)
Brown – Vocation (marriage bond, God’s servant, single life)
Gray – Deliverance (bad ways, things, spirits)
Cream – Conversion/Faith (children, household)
Mass Schedule
The altar where the mass is being held.
Inside the castle and it's beautiful ceiling.
Sundays- 12:00 Noon & 3:30 PM
Mondays- 12:00 Noon
Tuesdays- 12:00 Noon
Wednesdays- 12:00 Noon
Thursdays- 12:00 Noon
Fridays- 12:00 Noon
Saturdays- 10:30 AM
13th of the Month- 10:30 AM & 3:30 PM
Simala is located in the south part of Cebu City, Philippines.
You can take a bus ride from the Cebu City bus terminal going to the said location.
Beautiful Inside Out
Luckily, I was able to visit and experience the beauty of this place.
I was not able to take a panorama photo of the place but I hope this will do. 🏰
This photo may be subject to copyright.
Image source: Greeg Adventure
The closer look of the castle. The replica of Mary is in the facade, guarding her sanctuary.
This photo may be subject to copyright.
Image source: solesearchingsoul
Closer look of the Birhen in the Castle's facade.
A beautiful architecture of one of the church's hallway post.
A close up of the post.
The hallways for the long walk.
My mom and my beloved niece.
The crucifix.
Some of the replica of saints.
The Nazarene.
I have enjoyed my visit during that day. The experience was so memorable and fun! It uplifted my spirit and printed a memory in my heart.
I hope you can visit this castle soon too!
For girls, just a reminder, you will be visiting a place considered to as Holy. It is a no no to wear skimpy clothes - shorts, tanktops, sleeveless, backless, tight dress.
