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 stunning. The Monastery is the place where the ‘Mga Monghe ni Maria’[Monks of Mary] live.
The Miraculous Mama Mary
We were on a vacation to the South of Cebu City, enjoyed the beach and the scenery. We rented a van to actually fit 13 people. We stayed one night in El Paradiso, a diving point in Alcoy. We enjoyed eating “lechon” (if you are not familiar with the word, then wait for my next article about it ) and marveled the place with a nice beach. We actually stayed in a house overlooking the sea, fronting the horizon (such a beautiful place). After Alcoy Cebu, we went to the Church of Boljoon, a little bit farther than Alcoy. The Church is very old and quiet but do take note that it is a free Wi-Fi zone there.
But the most interesting location was the place we dropped by, the Shrine of Our Lady of Simala, located in Sibonga Cebu. It is actually a home of Marian Monks and a place where miracle happens.
The place is such a beauty, at the gate we saw the statues of the Seven Birth Angels. I took a picture of Angel Michael unfortunately I haven’t taken pictures for the six remaining angels, tsk tsk.
There is actually a warning if you will try to visit the Shrine, pilgrims should not wear sleeveless and short pants, however, pedal pushers are acceptable as long as it is below the knee (so strict there).
When we got inside the gate, the place is surrounded with flowers and mostly roses. We can’t help notice a big bell at the back of a more or less 3 feet wishing well. We were informed to throw a penny hitting the bell first, if it will bounce back directly to the wishing well then that wish will be granted and if not then we have to try again. No harm in trying and wishing.
After taking pictures, we entered the castle-
like church. In the entrance , there are big
colorful candles for sale. I believe the proceeds f
or the earnings will go to the people who need
it most. We can choose different colors of
candles like blue, black, pink, yellow, gold,
green. And it has meanings for you to pick.
There’s pink for guidance in whatever you do
like exams and job interviews; green for success
in financial and many more.
The way as seen in the picture views
from the entrance gate to the inside church
where we can put our intentions, wishes , and other personal intentions. Together, we went into the castle-like house and take a slight rest. There, another beautiful and awesome garden displays catches our eyes. No wonder why many people ,it maybe children ,married, adult, or seniors to go snd visit this such wonderful place known as Mama Mary's paradise located at Simala , Sibonga, Cebu.Based unto what I knew, it was started when a woman in that place was being able to see and mercantile by Mama Mary once upon a time of her life when she looks thing undesirable. The wonderful thing happened in her life after that event she told to the people in the place, and, someones think that the miraculous virgin Mary is that place. And so, they decided to build a church there with lot of sculptures and images of saints, most especially, with that of Mama Mary.
Today, millions of people knew about this place, and less of them don't know the real essence and value of it to our lives as Catholic people. Once you are there, then you can see and feel what I mean, and to go deeper, it really touches our life, lessens our headaches, and adds our strong beliefs that there's someone looking us ahead.
Mama Mary Picture-Taking Place
The line going to the actual “Birhen sa Simala” has started to get very long. Some people stay in line under the heat of the sun outside the church just to have a glimpse and short prayer to the Virgin Mary found at the back portion of the church. Note that nobody can get inside the “Birhen sa Simala” once a mass is going on. This is said to be the actual statue that showed several miracles including shedding of tears (including blood tears), changed in facial expression and answered thousands of prayers to those who pray to her.
If you wish to give your donations, give it directly to the monks and not to anyone else as there are reports of swindlers in this place due to the increasing number of donations. Several boxes for prayers, petitions and thanks are available in the church. A couple of souvenir shops that sells rosaries, statues, prayer guides, etc are available outside the church.
In Monastery of the Holy Eucharist you can also see a big statue of the Miraculous Mama Mary and a replica of the Well of Nazareth where Mama Mary hauled water for Jesus and Joseph. This is not a wishing well or bell but a lot of people believed that if you throw a coin to the bell and falls directly to the well, your wish or prayers will be answered. A dozen of comfort rooms are available for women and a couple of comfort rooms for men. There are locals who offer reflexology at P70 including the olive oil which is said to contain blessings from the Miraculous Mama Mary. A free parking area is available inside the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, but once it’s full your only option is to park your vehicle in a nearby lot that offers a parking space at P40 for small vehicles and P50 for big vehicles. Several “carenderia” or eatery is available outside the monastery but you can also bring along your food and eat them at nearby cottages for rent at P150.
Be blessed and enjoy your stay at “Birhen sa Simala” or Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. Feel the presence of the Miraculous Mama Mary and pray as deep and sincere as you can and be fill with sublime emotion.The church interior is still a work in progress but the aura of solemnity can already be intensely felt. Numerous devotees line up to to either send their petitions to the glass-encased image of the Miraculous Virgin Mary or to touch the veil she was said to wear during the famous healing phenomenon. While on queue, one can read through petitions and thank you notes, and even behold mementos of gratitude sent in by healed devotees, in cabinets lined up along the paths. For those who are not up for long queues, they can pray on the pews or light some colored candles to send their petitions. Aside from a light heart, one other thing visitors can bring home from Simala is a prayer card with a rose petal from the Marian monks.As long as one pays attention to warning signs, such as avoiding indecent attires and boisterous laughter, the Simala experience will truly be unforgettable.
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Wishing Well
Resting House 
Simala Church for several really plays big deal and comfort especially to the spiritual aspects of our lives. Perhaps this would complete our inner aspects, it would be very interesting to visit Simala, Sibonga,, The Mama Mary's Paradise .. . . . .
by:
Marcel E. Baril
