Simala, Sibonga, Cebu - Part 2

I have a lot of unfinished articles. Most of these I started writing during or right after a trip. This is a continuation of an article about Simala Shrine or, more formally, the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, or Our Lady of Lindogon Shrine. The shrine is a pilgrimage church and very popular as many people's prayers have been granted after going there. More about the latter below:

The main altar of the church

Looking up is an impressive fresco

Another photo of the main altar, ceiling and balconies of the church

We lit some candles as we prayed for loved ones including those who have passed away.

There were supposed to be different meanings to the colors of the candles. I forget what they meant so I will just leave it up to my readers to do their research on this. :)

Other candles lit by devotees, pilgrims and visitors to the shrine.

Image of Mother Mary venerated at the shrine

Visitors offer their flowers, usually roses, when they go up to touch the image.

Religious items and other paraphernalia like candles are bought or brought to be blessed at the shrine.

Long queue of visitors including pilgrims and devotees. Some receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Some pray in another, a bit more private way, as shown in the photo. Some plead for healing. Some beg for mercy. Many go there for thanksgiving. Most probably pray to ask for something, usually material or financial rather than health or wisdom or something intangible.

Proof of prayers granted - there are so many documentation of prayers being granted. Some send letters relating how they have been healed or how their lives have changed (for the better, of course).

Many leave items as proof of healing such as crutches, canes and even wheelchairs.

Others leave calculators, notes and reviewers after passing licensure or board exams.

The buildings and grounds are quite spacious and I assume on most days would not be too crowded. But on Sundays or feast days, the place will probably be overflowing with people.

The halls are lined up with religious figures and more displays of prayers (or wishes?) granted.

Crutches, walkers, canes and wheelchairs, each with the stories of their former users attached and relaing how they have been blessed.

Calculators, pencils and pens. Examination IDs for various licensure exams. There are even copies or actual employment IDs for those who landed jobs, many abroad.

Rows and rows of candle holders, all having many candles lit and offered as part of people's prayers.

I can only imagine how many people flock to Simala on Sundays and during the Holy Week. It is certainly a special place for so many people especially those whose lives have changed so much or transformed. These are people who still believe in miracles and perhaps have the faith that enables such miracles to come true.

-