Hellow my steemit riends , and #uloggers across the wide world
For my last day of stay here in the Philippines I want to celebrate it in this place to give thanks for all the blessings, good health , unlimited miracle , gift of family , friendship , solidarity , and gift of life that god has given.
This place is for the people who believes in miracles. People said and I also believe that this place is miraculous.
The church is very popular among believers not only because it is considered the home of the image of the miraculous Virgin but also because the place is truly amazing and spectacular.
Here in Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu where Simala Shrine is one of the well-known religious place in the Philippines where thousands of devotees visit the shrine every week .
It's quite far from home but when you get there everything's worth it . You can really feel how devoted cebuanos are. People usually went there to personally give thanks for the bountiful life , ask guidance for their plans in life, ask protection , ask presence of mind especially for those individual who are going to take board examination , bar examination , entrance exam etc. and went back after they surpass those exams and they even offer their first uniform, first salary, first shoes or anything just to look back and remind themselves that they can't reach their current level of success if without God.
Aside from the beautiful structures, spacious and green environment, you’ll find various religious things inside and outside the church.
You can see a huge statue of Virgin Mary (or the “Mama Maria sa Lindogon” or Birhen sa Himala), sculptures or statues of various saints, various images and statues of the Virgin Mary from various cultural backgrounds, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or the Virgin wearing a kimono.
You can even see the replica of the Nazareth Well where people throw in coins while wishing for something silently in their hearts. Surely, wishing wells are something influenced or brought by European culture but has been adopted by other cultures including Filipino.
Pilgrimages or visiting religious places is one of the most important aspects that most Filipino Catholics have. This aspect keeps their faith alive and keeps them going despite all the challenges in life.
Everything's at peace and it's perfect ! Come and visit Simala I'm sure you'll feel great like me . :)
Thank-you for dropping by lovely steemians and #uloggers . 'til next time :)