I got the chance to visit the The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist in Simala, Sibonga again today. I noticed a few major changes since the last time I went there. First, the interior of the church is now almost complete. The ceiling now looks really nice and the details in the retablo are now in place. Second, a new structure is being constructed right beside the church. I think it’s an annex to accommodate more pilgrims. Third, more pilgrims are visiting the monastery. In fact, when I went there this morning, the place was already filled to the rafters. And it was only eight in the morning!
Anyways, here are some of the photos I took during my visit. Hope you enjoy them.
Candles with photos of Mother Mary.
These colored candles were sold at Php 35 each. I must say they were a bit expensive.
The queue at 8 am.
It reached the guard house.
Later, it reached the main gate. (Note the new structure being constructed beside the church)
And thirty minutes later, it reached the parking area.
Giant image of Mother Mary.
Candle stand inside the church.
Brown candles. These candles were sold at Php 10 each.
The ceiling. Looking nice.
The front part of the church. I think it’s 90% complete.
View of the church from the other hill.
Ley, thanks for the updates, i would really love to come to this place but just did not make the time, oct. is the plan to go visit simala….might have to get a room there the night before to have an early start, what do you think?
It’s a beautiful church. With a long line up like that, umbrella is a must. =)
i haven’t been to simala. maybe next time.
the thought of this being a venue to make some money just turns me off.
but i’d love to see the architecture and curious what the buzz is all about…
wow that is quite a crowd!
nice pics ley
ohhh my gosh!!! the queue is so long. i’ve been there last yr. 08. Very solemn place. Your not allowed to go to the altar wearing sleeveless and shorts. They give u a piece of cloth to cover that parts. Each colored candles has its meaning. Look really really nice now. I think that money they’re making are for the building and sorrounding maintenance. Not bad though.
simala is a sacred place. ive been there i guess twice na.. pero until now i still longed to go back there.huhuhuuh
WOW, it’s really grown. We visited two years ago and the entire sanctuary was full of scaffolds. There were not asmany people either. (We walked right in and. after wrapping my shorts with a blanket I was allowed to approach the statue of Mother Mary.
The Monastery has many stories of miracles happening but I think the main miracle is how the monks could move there and construct a beautiful church and surrounding grounds out of nothing.
i love the 2nd and 9th photos.
thanks!
I WANT TO GO THERE NEXT YEAR WITH MY FAMILY. And try to experience the tour. And explore.
Nakaabot ra jud ko sa simala atong first week sa of this month during my vacation. I was told that it gets crowded during the weekends and the 13th of every month. We decided to go on a Tuesday, July 14. I guess it was one of the good days to be there; there was no line. Salamat sa pag share Ley. Btw, naka picture baka sa mga letters?