generosesity blogs ep. 23 │Simala Shrine: Mother Mary's Home in Cebu

Prayer has been my number one armor. I believe in its power and miracles. It is one of my weapons as I battle anxiety and depression. Through this, I can express my gratitude to the Lord. How about you? Do you also pray?

Simala Shrine is located in Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu. According to some stories, Mother Mary showed up to one of the residents in the place and told him that a holy place in that land will soon rise. There were several miracles and beliefs that already happened in Simala. People far from this place and even not from Cebu, come to this place to ask for miracles, graces, blessings, guidance, and other prayers.

Then, I am one of those people. My family used to go here every year, especially during the celebration of Mother Mary's birth. However, due to the pandemic restrictions and series of lockdowns, we were not able to go to the place for two years already. And, I promised that to celebrate my 22nd birthday and graduation, I will visit the place. I am so blessed that it came true.

When using a private vehicle it will be a relief since the place needs to be traveled uphill after passing the national road. However, when you ride a bus, you can ride any bus that goes to the southern part of Cebu with a route to Oslob and Dalaguete. However, you need to ride a tricycle to reach the shrine. In the meantime, the very top and inside of the Shrine are closed because of the ongoing renovation. But, the image of the miraculous Mother Mary with some saints is on the temporary shed of the Shrine.

When we get there, there were plenty of people. I am already used to this number of people visiting the place since I told you earlier that the place is really famous because plenty of people believed that it is miraculous and holy. And I am one of them. Let me share with you my cousin's story. Way back in 2010, my cousin has a lump in this certain part of his brain which caused him to have some seizures or he acts like he has epilepsy. My aunt really cried so hard when she received the message because my cousin was still six years old at that time. My cousin took some medications and my aunt went to the Shrine almost every once a month to ask for healing for my cousin. After 2 years of medication and continuous prayer, the lump had gone away. Our family and relatives believed that the healing of Mother Mary was one of the instruments why my cousin was healed. Last 2018, she sent a letter to the Shrine and donated something as a thanksgiving for this miracle. Every year, we celebrate the anniversary of my cousin's healing.

Everyone has their own beliefs and I truly respect that. But no matter what we believe, always remember that hard work and commitment to your field are the intangible things you could do to make your dreams and ambitions tangible.

This is one of the must-visit place here in Cebu! Don't miss this place when you go here in the Philippines specifically in Cebu. See you!

Gene Rose Ortega (generosesity)

_{generosesity is a lover of dogs and a furparent too. She loves to explore the world of arts, especially painting. Traveling around the world, diving, and building a dog shelter are on her wish list.
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