This castle church in Cebu looks straight out of a fairy tale
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, a.k.a. the Simala Shrine or Simala Parish Church, is a beautiful castle church in Sibonga, Cebu that is definitely a must-visit.
The stunning castle church in Cebu / Source: @IMLENERA25 (FB)
It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks of the Eucharist Adoration from Pampanga, who brought in the image of the Virgin Mary known as The Marian Shrine.
During the height of the dengue fever outbreak in the late '90s, it is said that several miracles took place in their community.
Moreover, a replica statue of the Virgin Mary was allegedly seen shedding tears of blood during her birthday on September 8. This is how the Church was dubbed as the “Miraculous Mama Mary Church.”
One part of the Simala Shrine / Source: @Philippine ROMAN Catholic Churches (FB)
It has since become a sacred place of pilgrimage where hundreds of devotees flock almost every day, and fall in line for hours to meet and kiss the miraculous Virgin Mary.
The other side of the castle church / Source: Pexels
The uphill location and design of the monastery are said to be intentional so that people can first go on a penitentiary walk before entering the holy and miraculous place.
The pond at the Simala Parish Church / Source: Honey Capacio (FB)
Some of the features in the Simala Shrine are the guardian angels at the compound gate, a wishing bell, a pond, and a huge replica of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the entrance.
The huge replica of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Source: @IMLENERA25 (FB)
The monastery is divided into five sections: the testimony hall, prayer request area, an exhibit of the Virgin Mary's replicas, a souvenir store, and another prayer area with varieties of candles that you can light.
The replicas of the Virgin Mary / Source: @Gladys Viola (FB)
The testimony hall is filled with letters and items donated by believers who attest to the miracles that the Blessed Virgin Mary performed.
While the prayer request area is where you can write down your wishes or compose a thank you letter and pray right in front of the Virgin Mary's replica, which locals and devotees say miraculously shed tears.
The different colors of candles in the other prayer area each symbolizes something, so you can choose which one to light, depending on what you are praying for. For example, you can light a yellow candle for peace and an orange candle for reconciliation.
Colorful candles at the prayer area / Source: @ByaheniJessie (FB)
So, if you're planning on visiting Cebu soon, you better include the Simala Shrine to your travel bucket list. Not only will you enjoy the beauty of its architecture and the picturesque surroundings, but if you're a Catholic, it will also be an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Breathtaking aerial view of the castle church / Source: @ByaheniJessie (FB)
The beautiful castle church is located in Barangay Simala, Natalio B. Bacalso S National Highway, Sibonga, Cebu. In Google Maps, you can simply search for “Simala Parish Church” or “Monastery of the Holy Eucharist.”
Don't forget to wear decent clothes and observe proper behavior while inside the monastery during your visit.
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