A trip in Cebu

     Simala Parish Church, Sibonga, in Cebu is known as Simala Shrine, Simala Church, Mother Mary Castle Church, Birhen sa Simala, Mama Mary Shrine of Simala, and Miraculous Mama Mary Church.

Its real name is Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, and although it’s not the oldest Church or the Holiest Church in Cebu, it’s one of the most well known and most visited new Churches in Cebu. For believers, Simala Church is said to be a solemn place to reflect, and a visit will give your life more perspective.

Described by many as one of the most beautiful Churches in Cebu, Simala Shrine is a place of pilgrimage for devotees. Known as the Miraculous Mother Mary Church after the Virgin Mary statue housed within the Shrine was seen crying, it attracts hundreds of people every day hoping their prayers will be answered. 

Way back 2016, it was my first time to travel and im glad that the most beautiful church in cebu was our main spot to visit. Simala Parish Church is an active place of worship. Modest dress is required or you will be refused entry by the security guards. Carry a sarong or cardigan with you to wear in the church.

As we roam around inside in the simala parish church, you can feel the holiness of the place. You can feel the power of being so blessed that you visit that kind of place. When you go upstairs you're going to remove your shoes and walk with bare foot. So many proof and testimonies you can see in the walls as you walk and it was all about the illness of different people from different places that visited the simala parish church that has been treated. And a history of the simala parish church. 

After that, we buy candles and that candles have different colors and each colors have different meaning. The white candles means "Purity" the green is "Prosperity" the gold is "Healing" and the violet was "Achievement" and many others. They have also bracelets and a healing oil. 

Miraculous Mama Mary’s Castle Church is one that can be added to your list of things to do in Moalboal. For visitors wishing to embrace the Filipino Catholic faith and culture, Simala Shrine is one of the best Churches to see. 

The pandemic taught us many things especially in keeping ourselves clean and healthy. In terms of traveling many people still do that even in the middle of this pandemic because most of us are bored in the house and need to go out and discover new things. And that's alright as long as they follow the safety protocols, such as: Get tested no more than 3 days before you travel. Of course wear face mask, face shield and always bring hand sanitizers with you and always mind your distance to other people and always remember that you take care on reaching your destination.

By: Ballesteros, Jennifer B.