Back Home! Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or "Simala Shrine"

I have been living in Canada for the past 6 years and sometimes I get nostalgic. I used to live in a little island in the Philippines called Cebu and people there are God-fearing people. When I was a child, I remember that my family would always go for a 2 or 3 hours drive to go to a Church called "Simala Shrine" or Monastery of the Holy Eucharist every once a year for Mother Mary's Birthday. It is a tourist spot but too much camera use is prohibited once inside the monastery.

Simala Shrine Church is a religious structure and establishment located in Sibonga Town, Southern Cebu.

Simala is a place for people who believes in miracles. This place has been known to be miraculous. 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 spectacular. The Monastery is the place where the ‘Mga Monghe ni Maria’ [Monks of Mary] lives.

Pilgrimages or visiting religious places is one of the most important aspects that most Filipino Catholics have. This aspect keeps their faith alive and keeps them going despite all the challenges in life.

Source: https://www.justgola.com/a/simala-shrine-2623561

As you can see from this picture, there are different statues or sculptures that surround the Monastery. I am just amazed that I did not appreciate the beauty of this Monastery when I was a kid.

As people come in, the first thing they see is a large statue of Mother Mary.

Want a Closer look?

Inside the Monastery is full of signs to follow. Once I entered the Monastery, I could feel the high tension in the air.Everybody is serious. So if you were to break one of those rules.....

People praying one by one patiently and quietly. This room is quite packed plus with the weather outside that is around 25 C-30 C with no Air conditioning. Their mental fortitude is strong!