The Simala Shrine or the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is a church located in Lindogon , Simala, Sibonga in southern Cebu. It was built by the Marian Monks in 1998. The church became famous due to miracles that happened in the area made through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also renowned for its castle-like design that is visible from a distance.
Simala Shrine – image source: choosephilippines.com
The place was formerly a small farm where the monks lived. The monks gradually developed the area by planting vegetables and trees as well as raising animals. After some time, the monks built houses and a chapel. It was later called Marian Hills due to the presence of the Marian Monks. The monks reportedly prayed for an intercession by the Blessed Virgin Mary after the community was hit by an epidemic. The monks asked the Blessed Virgin to save the children suffering from the epidemic.
Aerial View of Simala Shrine – image source: commons.wikimedia.org
A painting at the shrine shows a religious old man who made predictions about the area around sixty years ago. The old man, Ireneo Villamor, predicted that the Lindogon hills will become blessed in the future. The Lindogon native also said while a lady in white will become the center of all people and her devout servants will have to go through persecution and suffering.
Interior of Simala Shrine – image source: choosephilippines.com
Many devotees make the trip to the Simala Shrine to pray to the Blessed Virgin. Many of these devotees have their own stories of miracles in their lives. These stories are documented at the church and stored in cabinets close to the exit of the shrine.
Simala Shrine – image source: mb.com.ph
The Simala Shrine or the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist also celebrates mass every day. The schedule of the masses 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
Simala Shrine – image source: tripadvisor.com.ph
To get to the Simala Shrine, all you need to do is to take a bus or van passing through Simala in Sibonga at the South Bus Terminal. Make sure you tell the driver or the conductor that you are getting off at the motorcycle terminal going up to Simala. From the terminal, you can take a tricycle or motorcycle up to the shrine.
Simala Shrine Angel – image source: flickr.com
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