Adventures/Travels/Food
Pilgrimage At Simala
2:28 AM
One of our
itineraries during our stay in Cebu was to visit Simala (Monastery of the Holy
Eucharist). On a great Saturday morning, my family woke up early and begins our
journey to Simala. From Castle Peak Hotel we rode a taxi going to City Link
Terminal then rode V-hire (van) going to Simala.
Our trip going to Simala was very exploratory. We passed by several towns and cities. It took almost two hours to reach Simala.
Upon arriving at Simala, we noticed that several people lined-up to enter the gate of the monastery. Since the monastery was still closed, we took our breakfast in the nearby store. Few minutes later, we were allowed to enter the monastery. But before anything else, my family bought bracelets and oils contained in bottles from the locals selling near the gate.
Our trip going to Simala was very exploratory. We passed by several towns and cities. It took almost two hours to reach Simala.
Upon arriving at Simala, we noticed that several people lined-up to enter the gate of the monastery. Since the monastery was still closed, we took our breakfast in the nearby store. Few minutes later, we were allowed to enter the monastery. But before anything else, my family bought bracelets and oils contained in bottles from the locals selling near the gate.
When we entered the
monastery, we were so amazed of its grandeur and
magnificence.
A very huge palace in the making because it still undergoing some constructions
and renovations.
While walking
towards the church, we noticed several places where we are allowed to pray and
meditate. At the entrance of the church we prepare petitions and gave it to the
nun in the booth. You are also allowed to give donations to the church. Upon
entering the church we were so amazed of its architectural design with
religious painting. Everywhere you can see different kinds of religious
statues.
We proceeded to
the place that led to the church’s altar that shelters the miraculous statue of
the Blessed Virgin Mary. While taking the line, we were asked to remove our
shoes as we enter the sacred church. We also saw the cabinets that contained proof
of answered prayers which includes letters, nurse caps, teacher’s pins,
wheelchairs, walking cranes, books, pens, and many more. I chanced to read some
of the messages in the cabinets which state that Blessed Virgin Mary helps them
in so many ways like: heal their illnesses, help them pass the board
exams, good health, happy family, success in business, peace of mind, and various
miracles. Upon reading them I feel Goosebumps and wrote my own petition
to the blessed mother.
As we reached the back of the
church altar, I can’t understand my feeling that time, we saw the beautiful
image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When it was our turn to touch
the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the choir sings the entrance hymn of the
10 o’clock mass, which surprised us. We kneeled and prayed so hard for her
intercession. I tried to take a picture of her image but maybe Blessed
Virgin Mary didn’t want to.
We then went to the church museum where we saw
memorabilia of the monastery and the church including the great sacrifices made
by the monks for the church. We have seen also awesome different kinds of
statues of Blessed Mama Mary. The place is in itself a manifestation
of her love, magnificence and Queenship. It was said that on September 8, 1998
(her birthday) the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary reportedly shed tears.
Before going out
of the church, we lighted candles and prayed. Inside the monastery you can also
buy some religious and souvenir items that the monks are selling.
We took motorcycle
“habal-habal” to drive us going to the bus terminal where we rode again v-hire
bound for Cebu City. It was a tiring church visit but was worth it.
Simala
(Monastery of the Holy Eucharist) is one of the
well-known religious places in the Philippines where thousands of devotees
visit every week. Located at Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu. From Cebu City, you can
either ride a bus from South Terminal or a V-hire (van) from City Link terminal.
The bus would only take you at the crossing in Lindogon going to Simala which
you would ride a tricycle all the way up to monastery. On the other hand, the
V-hire would take you straight all the way to the shrine. You could also hire a
taxi but that would be a little expensive. The travel will take 1 to
2 hours.
Related: Delightful Stay
At Castle Peak Hotel
Best Regards,
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