The Cebu's Castle Church, the Simala Shrine is a favorite tourist spot for many. The church is also known for its Miraculous events
Time to visit - one hour
Opening hours - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Should visit at - 9:00 AM
Should leave before - 10:00 AM
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as the Simala Shrine or Simala Church is located in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu.
For devotees, visiting the church is a spiritual experience. Others come with hopes that they're prayers/request will be granted.
Being a place that attracts a lot of people daily, there are several commercial structures in the area. This includes souvenir stalls, restaurants and cottages where you can eat and generally just chill in. You can even buy religious items like rosaries and prayer books inside.
"What to expect at the Simala Shrine"
Simala Church is a house of worship, so expect a set of rules for visitors/pilgrims. This includes dress code and behavior among others.
Here are the dress code that everyone should follow;
For men - You must wear a long pants and a decent shirt.
For women - The hem of your skirt or dress should be lower than the knee. Wearing of sleeveless is not allowed. But, if you are comfortable wearing one, bring a cardigan or a scarf to cover your shoulders. Wearing tube blouses, transparent and fitting pants, miniskirts, spaghetti dresses, and shorts are strongly prohibited.
Here are things that are not supposed to be done inside the shrine;
1. Taking pictures with flash.
2. Wearing revealing shorts.
3. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
4. Shouting and making loud noise.
5. Wearing of footwear inside the prayer room.
For Catholic Devotees, here is the mass schedule in Simala Shrine;
Sunday - 12:00 noon and 3:30 PM
Monday to Friday - 12:00 noon
Saturday - 10:30 AM
"Exploring the Miraculous Church"
Once you are inside the Simala Shrine, you will see the how fascinating it is. Make the most of your time and try to visit every part of the church.
"The Testimonial Hall"
There's a hall in the church where messages and testimonials of firm believers of the Virgin Mary are posted. They believe that it was through the intercession of Mary that they were cured.
"The Dagkutanan Area"
Dagkutanan means a place for candle lightning. A trademark of Cebu Churches is the candle lightning area. In this church, the color of the candles have a unique meaning;
White - Purity
Yellow - Peace
Violet - Achievements
Red - Love
Pink - Thanksgiving
Orange - Reconciliation
Gray - Deliverance
Green - Prosperity and Success
Gold - Conversion and Faith
Brown - Vocation
Blue - Perseverance
Black - Souls
"The Main Altar"
You have to fall in line first before you can take a glimpse of the statue of the Miraculous Virgin Mary.
"How to Reach the Simala Church"
From the airport, ride a cab going to the South Bus terminal.
Board a bus going to Sibonga. The bus ride will take more or less 2 hours and 30 minutes. Another option is to ride a van which is more expensive than the bus. Renting a cab can be another option but it will cost around Php 2,000.00 to Php 3,000.00 for a round trip.
From the drop off in Lindogon, ride a tricycle or motorcycle going to the shrine. The ride will take about 5 to 10 minutes.Since the Simala Shrine was built for religious purposes, it is best to pay respect when visiting the area. Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, it is still best to give and offer an utmost respect for the belief of others. For some, the shrine may just be a place for photography and adventure but keep in mind that for the believers, the place is sacred.
Time to visit - one hour
Opening hours - 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Should visit at - 9:00 AM
Should leave before - 10:00 AM
For devotees, visiting the church is a spiritual experience. Others come with hopes that they're prayers/request will be granted.
Being a place that attracts a lot of people daily, there are several commercial structures in the area. This includes souvenir stalls, restaurants and cottages where you can eat and generally just chill in. You can even buy religious items like rosaries and prayer books inside.
Simala Church is a house of worship, so expect a set of rules for visitors/pilgrims. This includes dress code and behavior among others.
Here are the dress code that everyone should follow;
For men - You must wear a long pants and a decent shirt.
For women - The hem of your skirt or dress should be lower than the knee. Wearing of sleeveless is not allowed. But, if you are comfortable wearing one, bring a cardigan or a scarf to cover your shoulders. Wearing tube blouses, transparent and fitting pants, miniskirts, spaghetti dresses, and shorts are strongly prohibited.
Here are things that are not supposed to be done inside the shrine;
1. Taking pictures with flash.
2. Wearing revealing shorts.
3. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
4. Shouting and making loud noise.
5. Wearing of footwear inside the prayer room.
For Catholic Devotees, here is the mass schedule in Simala Shrine;
Sunday - 12:00 noon and 3:30 PM
Monday to Friday - 12:00 noon
Saturday - 10:30 AM
Once you are inside the Simala Shrine, you will see the how fascinating it is. Make the most of your time and try to visit every part of the church.
There's a hall in the church where messages and testimonials of firm believers of the Virgin Mary are posted. They believe that it was through the intercession of Mary that they were cured.
Dagkutanan means a place for candle lightning. A trademark of Cebu Churches is the candle lightning area. In this church, the color of the candles have a unique meaning;
Yellow - Peace
Violet - Achievements
Red - Love
Pink - Thanksgiving
Orange - Reconciliation
Gray - Deliverance
Green - Prosperity and Success
Gold - Conversion and Faith
Brown - Vocation
Blue - Perseverance
Black - Souls
You have to fall in line first before you can take a glimpse of the statue of the Miraculous Virgin Mary.
Board a bus going to Sibonga. The bus ride will take more or less 2 hours and 30 minutes. Another option is to ride a van which is more expensive than the bus. Renting a cab can be another option but it will cost around Php 2,000.00 to Php 3,000.00 for a round trip.
From the drop off in Lindogon, ride a tricycle or motorcycle going to the shrine. The ride will take about 5 to 10 minutes.Since the Simala Shrine was built for religious purposes, it is best to pay respect when visiting the area. Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, it is still best to give and offer an utmost respect for the belief of others. For some, the shrine may just be a place for photography and adventure but keep in mind that for the believers, the place is sacred.
-SHANIA-
Who wrote this?
ReplyDeleteits me shania
DeleteOne of the many wonders of Cebu is the Simala Shrine, a truly majestic destination for a religious tour. Nestled in the heart of Cebu, this shrine is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual solace and stunning architecture. As you step onto the grounds of Simala Shrine, you are greeted by a sense of peace and tranquility, enveloped in the beautiful surroundings of the shrine. The intricate details of the shrine's design and the serenity that permeates the atmosphere make it a truly special place to visit. Whether you're looking for a moment of contemplation or a glimpse into the religious heritage of Cebu, the Simala Shrine offers a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you've left.
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