Visited the Miraculous Castle Church in Simala Cebu

The castle-like Simala church is proudly nestled on the Marian Hillls in Ligondon Sibonga, Cebu. It rose to fame over the years that it has been included as one of the most visited destination in the Queen City of the South. I lived in Cebu for a few years but I have never visited it that’s why it was my first time to actually been to Simala Church. All interesting information that I learned about this Monastery was a surprise to me and I am really amazed by its history & all its miracle stories.

We already expected that there will be a lot of people visiting since it was a week away from the celebration of Sinulog Festival. Although I’ve already seen a lot of photographs of Simala Church, the moment I get passed the entrance, I was honestly overwhelmed to see the Monastery with my own eyes. I mean, the architectural structures…I feel like I was in Europe. The castle-like church looks surreal and I was humbled with its solemnity!

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The first thing I did when I entered the monastery was pray. I offered prayers with the colored candles that identify people’s specific intentions to the Virgin Mary. I personally lighted three candles: Gold that is for healing, Blue for perseverance, and White for purity. I believe it’s what I needed on that moment.

I was supposed to fall in line to meet and kiss the Virgin Mary since it was my first time visiting Her, but unfortunately we have a 7pm schedule to catch up that day so, I just wanted to write her a letter and also say a little prayer. I had a goose bump seeing a lot of letters displayed on the wall in the hallway from locals that believed to have been healed by the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are wheelchairs, graduation pictures, robes, diplomas, and etc. I nearly cried because of how beautiful it is.

When we arrived upstairs, I was even more surprised to see so many statues of Virgin Mary in different forms. And you won’t believe that I actually read each of its history. I’m not familiar to the majorities of statues displayed there, but I’m just really happy that I get to know them.

I want my first time visit to be memorable so instead of just taking photos with the Monastery, I also bought a bracelet souvenir that has photos of Mama Mary in it to remind me of this incredible experience.

I am definitely visiting again as I promised in my written letter to Her and I wanted to visit again with someone I personally included in my prayers. Next time, I would really want to meet and kiss the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It’s an amazing and stunning experience. The place is simply majestic! It’s like heaven nestled here on earth. I love how respect and solemnity is emphasized. For a while, I forgot all my worries and just surrendered everything it made me cry. ♥♥♥