Pilgrimage is one of the most important aspects that most Filipino Catholics possess. This aspect keeps us going despite of all the challenges in life.
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or also known as Simala Shrine Church is a religious structure located in Sibonga Town, Southern Cebu, Philipines. In 1998, the Marian Monks constructed the it. Tons of miracles happened in this church that causes this to be popular to Filipinos.
Erstwhile, this place was a small farm where the monks lived. It progressed gradually since the monks planted vegetables and trees as well as raising animals there. Time passed, they confect materials to make houses and a chapel called Marian Hills. It is due to the presence of the Marian Monks. One day, the town suffered from a contagious disease, thus, the monks prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary to save the children suffering from it.
Not only because of the image of the Miraculous Virgin Marybut as well as the scenery that are spectacular made it famous. The castle-like design of the church is also notorious among the believers.
My father and mother have been there for tons of times already so out of me wanting so badly to be there, I asked them to take me there. Because the church is so divine and people throng there, so to not get stuck outside because the church is already filled with believers, we must come there early.
(This photo was taken in Simala)
We travelled at 4 AM. It was a 4-hour trip. We can not ride a taxi since we were a total of 6 people (the capacity of a taxi is for 4 passengers and a driver only) including my boyfriend, and excluding my brother since even how much we persuade him he really is so stubborn and really wants to stay at home. We rode on a jeepney to get to Mandaue, Philippines. It halted at the famous mall in Mandaue, the Parkmall, where we can get a ride to go to Cebu, Philippines. It took just minutes to get there for it is still so early and there was no traffic at all. The jepneeys that goes to Cebu has numbers on it. It was 01K jeepney that we are to ride on. It took 30 minutes to get to E-mall. At the back of that mall, you can find the South Buss Station. That is where we gonna ascertain a buss that will take us to our destination. When we got there, the lane for Simala was already filled with people. If we are going to ride in the buss, it will take us 4 or more hours to get to where we are journeying. So we decided to ride on a van. It was located across the road, parked at a gasoline station. The fee in the van is much more than the fee in the buss but my father's chest hurts whenever it gets so hot, the sun is about to shine that day so we chose the van.
I have this disorder that I feel like vomiting whenever riding to any means of transportation that has aircon and air freshener in it; the bumpy road ads up to what I feel; and it will take 2 hours to get there so I chose to take a nap. (And that is the very reason why I do not have photos of the green scenery we passed by). When I woke up, we were already at Sibonga. There were already massive mass of people so the van halted a little far away from the church. So we walked to get there.
When we got inside the gate, the line to get inside the church is already long and the sun is shining bright. It was red-hot already. So my boyfriend and I fall in line and the rest of my family left upstairs, hid from the hot rays of sun and waited for us to get there. The line moves so slow, hence to make the moment worth while, we took duofie.
As you can see in the pictures, the place is spectacular. It seems like you are in a heaven-like locale. There were concretion of earthy matter that were figured into angels. The view itself gives you pleasure. Even if it was so hot and so warm, I felt so blessed to be there.
It took us an hour to get inside the church. I have no pictures taken since I forgot to take any. I directed my attention and honored God. I sent my prayers with all of my heart and attention. I sent my worries and troubles, believing Virgin Mary and God's will and might. I worship God and admire him profoundly and respectfully.
You can see inside, a enormous statue of Virgin Mary (also called as the Mama Maria of Lindogon), variety of statues of saints and the Virgin Marys from various cultural backgrounds. Aside from showing your devotions, you can also ascertain interesting sculptures and paintings on the ceilings.
The church stands on hallowed ground. It is so sacred that I can not even understand how satisfying it was. It was my very first time to send my prayers there so I really wondered why it took me so long. It was so gratifying and I really felt beatific.
If you are a Roman Catholic and desiderate to render your orisons, believe me, you will feel so bless there. The following are what you need to know before going there:
There were regulations about what you wear that is a must to comply with. No too much showing of skin like: sleeveless; above knee skirts; shorts; or see through shirts.
You must bring umbrella or cap since even you are not too sensitive with the rays of sun, trust me, you will regret it if you do not bring any.
Better bring foods. There are stores outside the gate but their goods are pricy.
Bring water. It is so hot and the church is crowded so take care of yourself and keep yourself hydrated at all times.
Do not worry, there are many restrooms there. The one with payment is air-conditioned and kept clean and the other one that is free to use, always has long line specially the one for the girls.
Do not go there just to take photos. People go there as devoters, not as tourists.
Lastly, you must know the schedules of the masses. It is as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00PM
- Saturday: 10:30AM
- Sunday: 12:00PM and 3:30PM
- Every 13th of the month: 10:30AM and 3:30PM
I hope you had fun reading this article. If ever you go there, I would like to suggest that you should buy a keepsake. It is not everyday that I got a chance to go there so I bought a momento. Have a blessed day STEEMIANS!
Yours Truly,
SISSY