Birhen sa Simala: Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist or commonly known to Cebuanos as “Birhen sa Simala” is situated in the southern part of Cebu. Specifically located in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, Philippines, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is famous for the miracles made by the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many are already walking testimonials to her divine grace and power for several different occurrences that happened to their lives. This is one of the many churches in the Philippines that practices Roman Catholic (Christianity) religion. Other religions in the Philippines include Taoism (see: Taoism in the Philippines), Jewish, Muslim, Protestant and many others. This may not be considered as a tourist destination but it is a must see/visit place just like Kan-Irag Nature Park, Museo Sugbo, Q Park, D’ Family Park, Cebu Tops and many many more.

“Birhen sa Simala” is about 2 hours travel from the center of Cebu. You can take the bus from the South bus Terminal going to Sibonga at P50/person and from the corner of the main road going to the monastery you can take the “habal-habal” (motorcycle for hire) or tricycle at P20/person. The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist is open daily from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Only formal dresses are allowed inside the monastery. Those who wear tubes, blouses, spaghettis, fitting pants, mini-skirts, shorts and all other informal attire are not allowed to get in. Be careful with your words and actions inside the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist as it is a very sacred place and a lot of miracles have already happened there.

The big crown structure before one reaches the main church is a memorial of the victorious and powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother through the Penitential Rosary Walk in 1998, against the killer epidemic that struck the place, where several lives of poor children and infants had died. It was built to honor Mary on the 8^th year anniversary of the monks’ arrival in Lindogon and was blessed on February 27, 2004.

Birhen sa Simala: 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
13^th of the month – 10:30 am & 3:30 pm

Colored Candles

Candles are available near the main monastery. At P35 each you can enjoy lighting the colored candles while praying to the Blessed Mary, as well as give a part of the money to the monks for funds, improvements and maintenance of the church. The colored candles each have its own meaning and these are as follows:

• Gold: Healing (Good health, Recovery, Spiritual, Family Tree)
• Green: Prosperity/Success (Exams, Study, Financial, Business)
• Blue: Perseverance (Employment, Career, Assignment, Promotions)
• Violet: Achievement (Plans in life, Struggles, Endeavors, Journeys, Voyage)
• Red: Love (Utility, Friendship, Engagement, Family)
• Yellow: Peace (Courage, Strength, Hope)
• White: Purity (Enlightenment, Guidance, Right Path)
• Orange: Reconciliation (Sweetheart, Wife, Husband, Enemy, Family)
• Pink: Thanksgiving/Happiness/Joy (Spiritual, Physical)
• Black: Souls (Forgiveness, Pardon)
• Brown: Vocation (Marriage Bond, God’s Servant, Single life)
• Gray: Deliverance (Bad ways, Things, Spirits)
• Cream: Conversion/Faith (Children, Household, Couples)

One of the most interesting part inside Monastery of the Holy Eucharist are the number of crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, badges, prayers and thank you notes of the people who have experienced the divine grace of the Holy Mary. Those who are employed, passed the board exams, cured or has any answered prayers had given notes or letters to the monks for inclusion in the gallery.  When you read some of the notes, you will really feel the sincerity of the writer thanking the Blessed Virgin Mary for the answered prayers.  Devotees have been regularly increasing and there have been a lot of  improvements on the church because of the donations from a lot of people all over the world.

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.