Wandering CEBU (Part 2) | Sibonga, Simala Shrine

As a devout Catholic and God-fearing person, being able to visit Simala Parish Church is a huge deal for me. I make it a point to visit the shrine at least once a year. Unfortunately, I was unable to visit for two years due to the pandemic. However, because the covid alert level in Cebu City has now decreased to its lowest cases per day, it is now safe to travel with no more strict restrictions. I finally got the chance to pay a visit to the holy shrine this year and for other devotees to come again to the church.

Simala Parish Church

Whether you believe it or not, this long line is heading towards the entrance of the church. Simala Shrine is a pilgrimage site for devotees. It is also known as one of Cebu's most beautiful churches.

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Our Lady of Lindogon Shrine and commonly known as the Simala Shrine or the Simala Parish Church is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines. More information can be found here.

The "Miraculous Mother Mary Church", so named because the Virgin Mary statue housed within the Shrine was seen crying, attracts hundreds of people every day who hope their prayers will be answered. It is expected that there will be a long line on weekends, particularly on Sundays, and a shorter line on weekdays.

Unlike before, there are a lot of vendors outside. They're selling a variety of items, including bracelets, t-shirts, and personalized crafts with Mama Mary's image on them.

I also see flowers being sold outside to be offered to the altar, as well as holy water and other accessories that they claim have already been blessed.

What hasn't changed is the importance of dressing appropriately. This is why a sarong is used or required to cover a portion of your body. Because you are visiting a religious site, they are very strict about it.

If you are only going to the church, you must wear appropriate clothing that does not expose too much skin, such as jeans or long skirts that are below the knee level. T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts are acceptable. Dresses that are below the knee in length and cover the chest. But if you still need to go somewhere, bring something to cover your tracks. If you don't have one, you can rent one outside the Church.

Upon entering, I notice that their candle station, souvenir shop, and altars have been temporarily relocated near the entrance. I believe this began when a pandemic occurred, but it resulted in overcrowding instead. The area is too small for the number of people who visit the shrine on a daily basis.

Location of the Church

Simala Parish Church or Shrine is located in Sibonga, Cebu, at Barangay Simala, Natalio B. Bacalso S National Hwy. If you are only from the province of Cebu, you must travel by land to get there.

How to get there;

At the Southern bus terminal (SBT), you can take a V-hire or a public bus. Look for a bus bound for Sibonga.

We took a v-hire from the terminal next to University of San Carlos Main and paid 150 pesos per person. The only advantage is that if you take a v-hire, it will take you directly to the shrine, whereas if you take a bus, it will only take you to the highway and you will have to ride a motorcycle to the church.

Travelling time from Cebu may take 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic.

Preparation

I was in charge of preparing our meals on that particular day. I made boiled eggs, fried skinless, beefloaf, rice, and sandwiches so we wouldn't have to buy food there. Despite wearing jeans and t-shirts, I brought a sweatshirt and an umbrella. We also bought water before we travel. We began traveling at 6 a.m. We arrived around 8 a.m. because there isn't much traffic early in the morning, so we were earlier than expected. We ate first before getting in line.

The Experience

The sun has already risen, and the heat has begun to get hurt. I bought a fan and three stems of roses from these kids and from ate, who was bringing a large number of items in her wooden basket. We were only in line for about 30 minutes. It was a quick one, just long enough for me to join the rosary from the people ahead of us in line, who were saying the holy rosary verbally. I wasn't bothered by the heat or the fact that it was a hot day. I felt honored to be going inside Simala Church, and I was excited to see Her again.

I was overcome with emotion when I finally entered the Shrine after two long years. When I last visited the shrine, I promised Mother Mary that on my next visit, I would bring the person with whom I want to spend the rest of my life. I kept my promise and returned with this man.

We form another line to offer the roses I bought to the Saints. I was wondering where Mama Mary's altar was at the time, thinking she was inside the church, so we went further and were amazed at how Her Shrine became more beautiful and breath-taking. We had no idea that Mary's altar wasn't there, but it was put close to the exit. Due to the large number of people, I did not have the opportunity to see Her, but I did offer my heartfelt prayers with lighted candles behind her altar.

Last time I was here, the landscape wasn't finished. I'm very happy and speechless that it's already finished and now its full of green!

_{The Shrine was indeed a castle type of Church. It was like a kingdom}

We took our time taking photos, but we were a little disappointed because we couldn't get into the church yet, where there are more things to show, such as photos and items from people who witnessed and experienced the miracle of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Who were cured of their illness. Students who have passed their exams. People whose prayers have been answered. They were placed in a large display box and were kept safe. When I first read and saw them, I became very emotional and even silently cried because I was one of those people whose prayers had also been answered.

I only hope that the church will reopen for Her devotees now that Holy Week is approaching. Have a blessed Sunday, hivers!

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