I was originally planning to take the public transport (provincial bus) but my good friends, Ken and Edward, offered to accompany me that day. We left Lapu-Lapu City past 4 am, drove for almost 2 hours and arrived at the gate of the monastery around 6 in the morning. We were told by the guard that it will open by 8 am so we queued and parked outside while waiting for the opening.
Upon entering the gate of the monastery, the beautiful castle welcomed me. I felt like being transported to some European town with majestic fortress.
of our Blessed Mother
had shed tears on the following dates:
August 17, 1998
August 22, 1998
September 8, 1988 (Mama Mary's Birthday)
October 13, 1998 (Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima's apparition)
December 29, 1998
September 8, 1999 (Mama Mary's Birthday)
DAILY PRAYER | O Mama Mary of Lindogon, Our Lady of the Rosary and Evangelization, you whom we love more than any woman, accept our daily sacrifices and offerings. According to the will of God and for the forgiveness of sins, guide our life as mirror of a good Christian servant. Aid us, dear Lady, with your loving strength, vanish any sinful inclinations and desires that ruin our souls. O Holy Mother, may your memorable and mysterious shedding of tears on those barren hills purify the wickedness and miseries of our lives while waiting for the momentous response of your mercy on what we ask from you. Use us as an instrument of peace, love, and unity for our family and country, our church, neighbors and enemies. Be our intercessor in the hour of our death. Pray for us. Amen. |
Here are some useful information for you to consider when planning your to visit Simala. EXACT NAME & ADDRESS: Monastery of the Holy Eucharist Marian Monks of the Eucharistic Adoration Marian Hills, Lindogon Sibonga, Cebu Philippines It is commonly referred to as "Birhen ng Simala" or SIMALA by locals. | Holy Mass Schedule Sunday – 12:00 noon & 3:30 pm Monday– 12:00 noon Tuesday – 12:00 noon Wednesday – 12:00 noon Thursday – 12:00 noon Friday – 12:00 noon Saturday – 10:30 am 13th of the month – 10:30 am & 3:30 pm |
From Cebu City, you may opt to take the public transport (ordinary or AC bus). Hop to one of the provincial bus at the New Cebu South Bus Terminal for only Php 50-80 and tell the conductor to advice you once you reached the crossing/bus stop for Simala. You wouldn't miss the huge "This way to Birhen ng Simala" signage on your right. From there, take the habal-habal (motorcycle) to the top of the hill and pay Php 20/pax.
For privacy and convenience, you may hire a taxi or private van for a round trip. Rate ranges from Php 1,000-3,000 depending on your negotiation skills. :-) I highly advice you ask assistance from your hotel concierge to book you a reliable cab especially if you have limited time in Cebu.
TRAVEL TIME:
Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes (one way). Dedicate atleast a half day to be able to visit Simala and pray without worrying about other things.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Be early than sorry! I highly suggest you visit during weekdays, be at the gate as early as 7am especially if you don't have ample time to spare in lines or you just want to experience the serenity and solemnity of the place. Simala is usually crowded on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when thousands of devotees come to pray.
I lighted pink for thanksgiving, green for prosperity and success and yes, red for love. During my visit in Simala, aside from praying infront of the sacred statue of our Blessed Mother of Lindogon to request for her divine intervention, I also prayed for the help of Our Lady of Good Success as I take a new career path this 2015. This specific statue can be found inside the Simala museum. Our Lady of Good Success is the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared to Mother Mariana in Quito, Ecuador and separate statues in in Madrid Spain, found by two Minin brothers and Paranaque, Philippines found by an Augustinian in a house of a native. | If you forgot to bring a candle, you can also buy colored candles inside the monastery for only Php 35 each. Don't forget to say a prayer before you light the candle. :-) |
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Please guide me as I take my exam this coming January and apply for scholarship on February. Through your powerful intercession, may our Father in Heaven answer my prayer and heart's deepest desire. Help me prepare and be ready as I take this new journey in 2015. To God be the Glory. Amen.
Matthew 7:7