Simala-Lindogon Church Sibonga
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History
When Frater Martin came, Monsignortomas planned to build a monastery for the monks. With the help and guidance of some nuns, their search led to a dry and unproductive hill in Lindogon. Many people say that only miracles can make plants and trees grow in the area, the reason why the owner of this land sold it with at a very low price.Monsignortomas decided to build a temporary house made of bamboo and coconut leaves (nipa). Because of the land's location, it’s really hot during the day and very cold during the night. Monks believe that the food offered by the locals is a gift from God. Days and weeks passed, they still strive for food and living difficulty in their temporary home.
This is not the only situation and challenges faced by the monks. The monks have been criticized and belittled by certain locals. People are intimidated by their presence in the area and sometimes would throw coins at the monks as they pass by. Despite all of this, the monks stay humble and generous.
Due to their situation, the monks decided to use their land to plant trees. A week later, through their unending faith with the Virgin Mary and unlimited effort, the trees grew quickly. The monks could not believe what they were seeing and it even astonished the local people.
After a month El Niño
occurred and the plants grew thin and
weakened. Dengue Malady spread and
several children living in the lower portion of monks' area died while others were infected. Due to lack of money,
parents can’t afford to bring them to the hospital. Frater Martin informed them that the sacrifice offered by his ancestors would drive the evil spirits away. That very evening, they started the penitential walk with a small number of people joining the procession. On the third evening, they smelled the fragrance of fresh flowers which had spread all over the land.
Monks continue to build and develop the hills. Today the area possesses beauty and appeal, particularly the shrine of the Virgin Mary known as the Monastery of Holy Eucharist or “Birhen ng Simala”. Most of Cebuano
devotees used to visit the place for
thanksgiving and for divine intervention. Nowadays, the Monastery is well-known worldwide for the miracles made by the
Virgin Mary.Features
The Church is currently located in Simala. The place is really astonishing and resembles a real castle. Statues of the guardian angels is located in the compound gate. There is also a huge replica structure of the Blessed Virgin Mary positioned at the church’s entrance. According to the locals, the replica was constructed to honor Mary for the miracle she completed by healing several children affected by the wide-spread epidemic which plagued the area.The Monastery was designed uphill for people to walk as penitential before entering the place. Asides from statues and the replica, they also have wishing bell. In order to make a wish, one must throw a coin and make sure it will bounce to the bell's side.
The first part of the monastery is the testimony hall area. There are lots of letters and items donated by the locals who are believed to have been healed by the miraculous Virgin Mary. These items include wheel chairs, pictures, uniforms, graduation robes and even books.
The second part is the station where you can write a letter to the Virgin Mary as prayers, wishes and thank you letters. Locals believe that everything you wish for through the letter will be granted by her miracles. Next is the prayer station, you can pray in front of Mary’s replica. According to the locals and devotees, long time ago during her birthday, the replica of Virgin Mary had shed a tear. As of now, the replica was placed inside a glass case and positioned in the center and upper part of the church.
The third section of the monastery is the museum where a variety of the Virgin Mary’s replica were preserved with their different history and origins. The altar, black and white statues of Mary, angels and saints are seen inside, including the clothes she wore when she cried is being preserved in the glass case.
The fourth section is the souvenir store inside the monastery. They sell different replicas of the Virgin Mary, saints, angels, rings, crucifix, rosaries, prayer guides and bibles. You can also ask the priest to have it blessed.
The fifth area is dedicated to praying with various candles. Nuns are seen selling candles in various colors, because according to them every color symbolizes something different.
Food
When traveling to Simala, you will encounter native goods and delicacies offered by many restaurants and food stalls., located in the southern part of Cebu. A white, crunchy and sticky puffed cake made of rice
with additional peanut as a topping. . How to Get There
Book a flight direct to Cebu City; take a taxi or a jeepney via Colon, particularly from
the South Bus Terminal. Take a ride on a Ceres bus going to Sibonga, travel time would amount to about
two and a half hours. When you get to Sibonga, ride a motorcycle to Simala Sanctuary.Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up.
Author: rochemyrtle. Last updated: Sep 02, 2014
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