Simala is a place for people who believes in miracles. This place has been known to be 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. There are various reasons why people come to visit the Simala Shrine. For Catholic devotees, the main reason why they visit the place is for them to offer their devotion, prayers, and petitions to the Virgin Mary with a hope that each petition and devotion will be answered. Another reason is for healing of physical and spiritual illness. For some, especially for non-catholics, visiting the shrine is for adventure and curiosity purposes only. Known as Cebu’s Castle Church, the Simala Shrine is a favorite tourist spot for many. I have been there several times, and the church still takes my breath away. It’s a few hours away from the city, but the long travel is worth it once you get there. It’s not only the scenery why people go there. The church is also known for its miraculous events.
Points to Remember: The church is very particular about the guests’ clothing. There’s a dress code that everyone should follow:
For Men – You must wear long pants and a decent shirt.
For Women – The hem of your skirt or dress should be lower than the knee. Wearing of sleeveless is not allowed. But, if you are comfortable wearing one, bring a cardigan or a scarf to cover your shoulders.
Before you enter the church, you will see a sign that they strongly prohibit the wearing of tube blouses, transparent and fitting pants, miniskirts, spaghetti dresses, and shorts. Keep your voices down. No smoking and bringing of alcoholic beverages. No camera flash. Once you are inside the Simala Shrine, you will see how fascinating it is right away. Make the most of your time and try to visit every part of the church. I can’t remember the last time I was there, but the place was still under renovation. It was already beautiful at that time. If you go there now, it will be more breathtaking. At the centre is a landscape garden that bore the words: ‘WE LOVE MAMA MARY’
There’s a hall in the church where messages and testimonials of firm believers of the Virgin Mary are posted. Many of these are from people whose prayers were granted. You can also see a display case of walkers and crutches from those who were able to walk again. They believe that it was through the intercession of Mary that they were cured.
Dagkutanan” means a place for candle lighting. A trademark of Cebu churches is the candle lighting area. In this church, there are many “dagkutanan” areas. What makes candle lighting unique in this church is the different colors of the candles. Each color has its meaning. There is also a souvenir store inside Simala Church where a plethora of rosaries, crucifix, images of the Blessed Mary, saints and angels, bibles and prayer guides are being sold. And then there’s a place where you can say a prayer and light a candle. Different colors of candles are being sold here, symbolizing different needs.
This is the main altar and the place is is quiet and really you can reflect and pray properly. We entered into the church. You would only be amazed by the beautiful and classic interior design inside the church. And they praying and thanking and asking for request. You have to fall in line first before you can take a glimpse of the statue of the Miraculous Virgin Mary. The line is long, especially during weekends and holidays, so bring a fan with you. Most of my visits to the Simala Shrine fell on weekdays. There were still so many people, but not as much as during weekends. It can get too crowded there, and it can affect your experience. So, I recommend that you also go there on weekdays. The place is really breath-taking and very miraculous as shown by crutches, walkers and healed persons with physical disabilities. If you want to attend mass at the church, masses are held every day at 12 NN, while additional schedules are available on weekends. It is worth a long drive for such a mission and visitation at the Miraculous Simala Shrine in Cebu. A lot of wished and prayers granted posted on every corners almost filling the entire Shrine, from simple prayers and that their devotions shows hoe effective it is, as they even bring back the testimonials to guarantee how effective it is to pray and wish from the Mother Mary. Glad to visit this holy place.We had the best time visiting Simala Church because of the time we went there.
SIMALA SHRINE –> click here
©CHERRY MAE ABADIES
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