Hello, my lovely Hivers! How are you all today? I hope you're doing great. For today's blog, I’m excited to share our experience with you on our trip to Lindogon, Simala.
We rarely get to spend time together as a family, but this trip holds a special place in my heart. This church is my favorite place to visit.
I've heard some stories that if you make a wish here, it might come true. I truly believe about this, as long as you have strong faith in the saints.
Simala Shrine, also known as The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Sibonga, Cebu. It is located in Barangay Lindongon, Sibonga Cebu.
Getting to the shrine
We had to travel approximately 3 hours from Tabogon to Sibonga. The distance was quite far, but it was worth it.
We arrived at dawn to avoid traffic. This was my second visit to this place, with my last visit being around 2019 you can see on my last2 month.
Before going to the church, there were many people selling bracelets. The price ranges at 20-50 pesos.
We lined up to enter the church because there were so many people since it was Sunday even though it was in the oo outside of the church the line was long. This shrine is sacred because of the miracles that have happened here over the years and continue to happen even now.
On the way to the shrine, there were stalls with carinderias where you could eat, as well as places selling pasalubong and souvenirs.
As you enter the shrine, there are colorful banderitas (small flags) that are very pleasing to the eyes. The structure of the shrine is truly astonishing.
It will take 30 minutes when you can enter the shrine, and it was worth the wait. You should bring your own water and umbrella because it is so hot.
The place was gorgeously built, the architecture and structure of this church was amazing. I can't keep my self to say wow as I saw this church.
The stairs going up to the church are beautifully designed, with separate paths for those people who had on wheel chair and those people who walk on stairs . The church is very well-preserved.
On the stairs, there are pillars with statues of saints placed on them, which are very eye catching. As you go along, you can't help but stop because the view is so beautiful.
While going up, you would see a man made waterfall, which is very relaxing to look at. There are also trees and plants that add to the beauty of the place. The stone statue of Mama Mary there is also very beautiful and captivating.
This big crown is so majestic and beautifully crafted, with intricate details. It was built during the pandemic year of 2020, and even now, it still looks new.
There are different lines here, one line is for entering the church, and another is for worshipping Mama Mary. Outside, there are vendors selling roses that you can offer to Mama Mary.
There were parts of the shrine under construction.
And while waiting we decided to have a photoshoot.
This is the place where you can light up your candles. There are many different color of candles, and each color has its own meaning.
I am so amazed at how people designed this church. I can't imagine how creative that makes this design.
We finally entered, and the first thing you need to do is take off your shoes. The reason for this is to help maintain the cleanliness of the place.
There was a holy water on the side.
We're inside the shrine, where you can kneel down and pray.
We're holding the roses we bought outside, and we placed them here as an offering.
After that, we took a family picture to document that we came here together. Because as I said earlier that we rarely had a chance to have a family date so each trip that we go on family together, it is mandatory to have a picture.
We spent a few minutes here, praying and admiring how big and beautiful the place is.
After that, we bought some candles, which cost 40 each, so we bought one of each color. We also bought a statue of Mama Mary. We were so happy to get it and plan to place it in our house.
After that, we went back inside to have the statues of Mama Mary and the saints blessed with holy water. We also blessed the bracelets we bought outside.
After that, we went outside to offer our prayers and light up our candles .
On our way back, we saw a large statue of Mama Mary, and it was so big and beautifully structured.
This place is prohibited to some visitors, and it's actually better that way to help preserve the beauty of the place.
That's all for today's blog my lovely hivers. Thank you for sticking till the end. Gobless. Have a great day ahead.
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It is also a belief that if it's your 1st time visiting a church lit a candle. That will help to grant your hearts desire.
This was a lovely place to retreat and spend time with family
Yes @lhes , I’ve also heard about that tradition, and I think it’s such a meaningful way to express your faith and intentions. Lighting a candle for the first time at a sacred place like this does feel special.
Simala looks very special, especially for spending time with your family. It's such an imressive place.I can imagine how it must feel like stepping into another world once you enter.
Simala really feels like stepping into a peaceful and sacred world. It’s even more special when you’re with family, creating memories in such an awe-inspiring place.
Looks like a very nice picture my friend, have a nice day
U too my friend. @arieswilly
Ganda ng church 😀