Simala Shrine is one of the well-known religious place in the Philippines where thousands of devotees visit the shrine every week which located on Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu. Simala is a place for people who believes in miracles. This place has been known to be miraculous. The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is a church in Sibonga for the Marian devotees. 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. The Monastery is the place where the ‘Mga Monghe ni Maria’ [Monks of Mary] lives. Pilgrimages or visiting religious places is one of the most important aspects that most Filipino Catholics have. This aspect keeps their faith alive and keeps them going despite all the challenges in life. Aside from the beautiful structures, spacious and green environment, you’ll find various religious things inside and outside the church.
For example, you can see a huge statue of Virgin Mary (or the “Mama Maria sa Lindogon” or Birhen sa Himala), sculptures or statues of various saints, various images and statues of the Virgin Mary from various cultural backgrounds, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe or the Virgin wearing a kimono.
Second, you can see a replica of the Nazareth Well where people throw in coins while wishing for something silently in their hearts. Surely, wishing wells are something influenced or brought by European culture but has been adopted by other cultures including Filipino.
The sculptures and architecture inside Simala Shrine Church are also the most interesting things you can find and enjoy with, aside from praying and showing devotion to the Virgin. Certainly, paintings on the ceilings, just like some of those you can find at Sistine Chapel in Rome, are quite conspicuous especially if you have that artistic taste for icons and religious symbols.
Gernel Comiso 