Holy Week • Good Friday

This is probably one of the most important week for us Roman Catholics. Holy Week as we call it, this is when we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For most people, this week equates to vacation and family time because employees have no work and establishments are closed.

I had the chance this year to come and pray on one of the most visited church in Cebu, Philippines.

Simala Shrine

Located in Marian Hills, Lindongon, Sibonga, Simala, Cebu, it is a 2 to 3 hours drive away from cebu city center.

The shrine was built in 1998 and has outstanding architecture. It looks like a castle from afar and miraculous events are said to have happened in there.

Pilgrims, devotees, and faithfuls visits the shrine all year round.

This particular time, people from different places of all ages flocks the place to pray and offer devotions. You can see specific corners write down your petitions or prayers on a piece of paper and drop it to a huge wooden box.

There is a long queue for those who wants to go to the altar and see or touch the sculpture of Miraculous Mother Mary. Although it is placed inside a huge glass, touching the outside of what encloses the Holy Mother is more than enough for devotees.

Reminders though, proper attire should be observed. Should you go there in shorts or anything of that sort, long skirts are available at the main entrance of the shrine for you to rent and wear while inside the church. Shoes and slippers are taken off only when in queue for the Mother Mary inside the church. Taking photos are allowed but not on some parts of the shrine.

Lighting candles of different colors can be seen at a designated area and each hue has its purpose depending on your petition.

Gold- Healing
White- Purity
Yellow- Peace
Red- Love
Pink- Thanksgiving
Orange- Reconciliation
Green- Prosperity
Blue- Perseverance
Black- Souls

Rosaries, bracelets, prayer book amd other souvenir items can be purchased inside or outside the church and there a lot of them on different designs, colors and prices.

It is truly both a sacrifice and a rewarding feeling after visiting the shrine. It welcomes everyone and asks nothing but respect for its sacred place.