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.

Big Statue of Birhen sa Simala

Big Statue of Birhen sa Simala

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist

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 8th 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
13th 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.

Praying inside one of the reflection rooms

Praying inside one of the reflection rooms

Birhen sa Simala at the back of the Main Altar

Birhen sa Simala at the back of the Main Altar

The Beautiful Ceiling and Chandelier

The Beautiful Ceiling and Chandelier

Mama Mary at the Main Altar

Mama Mary at the Main Altar

The Main Altar

The Main Altar

Waterfalls

Waterfalls

Replica of the Well of Nazareth

Replica of the Well of Nazareth

Birhen sa Simala Statue

Birhen sa Simala Statue

Grotto

Grotto

With my Family at Simala

With my Family at Simala


This page is last updated on Sep 8, 2011 @ 1:50 pm
About the author
Mark Anthony Maranga Mark Anthony Maranga is an Educator-Parent to his 3 Homeschooling Kids. He sells Ice Cream and Balloons in Mandaue City, Cebu. Exploring the Philippines tourist attractions together with his family is his passion; they are learning without borders.

  1. Kathleen says:

    Is there any confession held in Simala?

  2. Katherine says:

    hi. Do you know what time does the shrine will close.. I am planning to depart at 3pm this friday.. Please reply

    • Toni says:

      Hi Ms. Katherine, ask ko lang if natuloy ka sa Simala ng 3pm departure from terminal? what time ka nakarating if in case? and until what time kaya open dun… been searching for Simala’s closing time pero wala ako makitang post.. Thanks in advance

  3. Venus Osmeña says:

    Hi mark

    Ask lang ta ko if pwede ba pabendita sa simala?

  4. ROSE CLARY says:

    hi Mark.. is there any transportation going to Simala Church like UV or bus??? and how much?? we were planning to go there on November..

    • I don’t know the rates but it should be around P100 to P150. You can take a bus, at the South Bus Terminal, going to Sibonga (or may be farther such as Dalaguete and Oslob) and tell the driver to drop you at the corner going to Simala. There are tricycles and single motorcycles, which we call “habal-habal” in Cebu that will take you to the entrance of the Monastery.

  5. Eecka says:

    Hi!

    I’ll be travelling from Bacolod via Ceres bus. Can you help me out how to commute from Toledo port to Sibonga, Simala?

    • Mike Bugal says:

      There are be hire vans available at the Toledo Port. Just ask for one going to Simala.

  6. Vinz Tabaco says:

    Until what time will the church be open for public? Particularly on march 19, 2016.

  7. Juvelyn says:

    Hi Mark,

    Open ba ang shrine this coming January 15-16, 2016 ?

    Thanks po.

  8. ivy ang says:

    Open po ba ang shrine sa dec 31 and jan 1 ?

  9. arnulfo says:

    I went there last Dec 18 or 19, 2014, i can’t remember excactly. Afte reading this blog, i felt so sorry that i did not know there was a bell and a mini falls at the back of the Church where the statue of the weeping Virgin is located. Sayang, i did explore other areas especially the back of the church except inside the church only. How i wish i can still visit the place again one of these days. But anyway, i am thankfull that had that wonderful opportunity to see the place myself.
    Thanks God Jesus Christ, Thanks Yahweh, Thanks Mama Mary

  10. chinger says:

    Hi! My husband and I will go to the famous Simala Church in Cebu on Sept 2015. On our trip, we will bound from Negros Occ. I want to ask if what will be the easier and faster route to take. Is it Guihulngan->Tangil Port->Simala or San Carlos->Toledo->Simala? Thanks in advance! 😉

  11. Rene Escalante says:

    How much is the taxi fare if I wil hire it from Mactan Airport to Simala and back to the airport?

  12. Annabelle says:

    Hello po how can we get there coming from chong hua hospital salamat po

  13. Annabelle says:

    mark, how can we get there coming from Chong Hua hospital? Thank you.

  14. Regin Tangal says:

    Hello,

    Me and my office mates are planning to visit the Miraculous Simala Church this March 26-27, 2015. We do hope that we will have a safe trip going there. I Love You Mama Mary. I Love You God.

  15. Fortuna Triumph says:

    I have been there last year September 8th 2013. The place is nice and quiet place to pray and reflect on the goodness of God.
    I still want to go there and planing towards it. This time I don’t want to make it a day journey but want to spend like a month or a least 2 weeks. can l have a good rooms to stay like rents comfortably all through my stay.
    Pls mark, reply me and tell me more details on the attitude of people there in relating to foreigners, here is my email. cyprianebis@gmail.com Thanks.

  16. emely costillas says:

    my family are planning to visit mama mary simala on set.8 her birthday.I wanna ask if we can have a room reservation near at simala church sibunga.

  17. donsi says:

    hi mark, just want to know f our way s from dumaguete how can we get to Simala?

  18. amaliacutamora says:

    I LOVE YOU MAMA MARY……..Hope i can pass Agriculture board exam this coming july 23,24,25,2013

  19. Gaye G says:

    Hi mark, just want to know if wheelchair is available in the church since i’l be bringing a patient this week who undergone a medical surgery last month lng, thank you

  20. Lynnz Capatar says:

    I would like to ask if how much is the fare from lilo-an to sibonga?and also how many hours?

  21. Jorge Locsin says:

    Hi guys, patulong naman po kung paano pumunta sa Simala Church, ang pinangalingan ko po sa mactan airport

  22. mary says:

    hi mark, good evening me and my husband are planning to go there in simala next month.
    I just wanna ask you if what is the best way to rent a car or take a taxi going there? naa ka nahimbaw-an asa nag pa rent sa car? d mn gud sya ganahan mag bus then mo take pa ug habal- habal after. ug mu take me ug taxi how much it cost? then makasuwd ra ang taxi?

    thanks, .. please reply to my e-mail.
    God Bless:-)

  23. junex says:

    hi..

    i plan to visit berhen sa simala in this coming june.cuz i want to celebrate my birthday there with my family..i plan to treat them cuz its our first time that we my family went there.as preparation,i wanted to know how much fare from south bus to corner going simala,then riding habal habal going to the church..plz reply to my yahoomail..thanks .God Bless

  24. Angelic says:

    Hi Mark,

    How can we reach Simala from Loon Bohol?

    thanks..

  25. anita says:

    this is a suggestion.i wish this message would reach the monk. please provide at least 2 shuttle bus to pick up the faithfuls who want to go the shrine with a ride. you can charged the passenger a fee. the important is the faithfuls would feel secure if the ride is from the church. if possible, provide a ceres bus exclusively bound for the shrine at the south bus terminal, cebu city. just make some coordination on the specific date and time if faithfuls want to go there, they could avail the ride with a fee.just think about it

  26. Kassandra says:

    Hi! Good Evening..

    This is really urgent… I made up my mind to go there this Wednesday no matter what but I still don’t have directions with me.. I’m from Bacolod City.. Can you please give me the easiest directions in going there?

    Thank you so much..

  27. Josh says:

    Good day!

    planning to go there this Saturday, March 16th. since its a long way from the city, might gonna stay there for a while. do u know any good tourist spots in the area?
    Thanks!

  28. gi says:

    hi, mark,

    my office mate saw the church in the internet and is planning to go there with some of her friends (i might joint too). what is the best itinerary to get in going there from manila? do you rent out your van and for how much? thanks in advance

  29. Marlon Palarion Jr. says:

    We are landing on the 6th of April in Cebu and we are planning to visit simala… Do you offer services which could take us from the city to the place and vice versa? tnx.

  30. jarushj says:

    hi mark,

    can i ask how many hours from dumaguete city to sibonga. were the location of birhen sa simala. and how can we reach from dumaguete to sibonga?

    thankssss

  31. jenny says:

    Hi Sir Mark,

    we are planning to come there this coming month of May 2013.. gusto po namin magstay duon overnight, nabasa ko po dito sa blog nyo wala pala hotel don san po ba kmi pwede magstay? meron po ba mga guest house duon na for rent na malapit po sa site or sa place? yung hindi naman po kalayuan. I’ll wait for your reply po here is my email j_e_n_n_y30@yahoo.com salamat po.

  32. Bryan says:

    Hi Mark,

    We are planning to go there this march 2 and its a saturday, do you know where we can rent a car or van (safe ) that can bring us there and to some other tourist places.

  33. sabah dumaboc says:

    hi mark,
    how can we reach simala from negros occidental?
    thanks..

    • Hello Sabah,

      You can take a bus from Negros Oriental to Sibulan. From Sibulan take a ferry to Cebu and ride the Ceres bus going to Cebu City. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you in Sibonga, at the corner going to Birhen sa Simala. Then take a habal-habal or tricycle going to the church.

  34. Vangie says:

    Hi, what public transportation will we take to reach the monastery from the airport? Is there any hotel near the place?

    • Hello Vangie,

      There are no hotels near Birhen sa Simala. The only available public transportation from the airport to simala are taxis. You can also take a taxi going to the South Bus Terminal then take a bus going to Sibonga, then take a tricycle going to the Church.

      How many are you in the group and when are you planning to visit Cebu? I can bring you there with my van if you like?

  35. raymundo cesista says:

    Just only last sunday of November 18, 2012 my friend named Beng wake me up, she invited me to go SIMALA, a place she said to according is a sacred place, at first i hesitate because the reason i answer to her was i will be going to somewhere else since i was in my rest day in my work, but would u believe there is this feeling of curiousness and as a religious person i want to go there with no info at all regarding to that place.

    Around 7am in the morning we take a van as means of our transportation going to Simala, probably it takes 2 hours when i and my friend reach the exact place. At the main entrance, i just feel there is something there that i will amaze a lot, and going to line of people who will kiss or give respect to the Mama Mary, i joined to them devotedly, as a respect the holy sacred place we got off our shoes or slippers, before we reach to the holy altar, i pray and as i saw her face really i am in a feeling of shock and cry, a millions time i am saying i love you mama mary.

    That experienced is something unique and memorable to me. I promise to myself i will be going back again.

  36. chelai orias says:

    hi po, may seminar po ako sa cfo pdos, and from mactan aiport to simala ilang oras po ang travel and then sa calcula mo po magkano pod ang bayad ng metered taxi? but if on the bus ano po ang sasakyan namin from this place
    Causing-Lozada Building, Osmeña Boulevard corner
    MJ Cuenco Street, Cebu City, Philippines i will stay here near at cfo office

  37. ChieJi says:

    hello po,from mactan airport,ilang oras biyahe papuntang Monastery?tnx po

  38. Susana M. Gonzaga says:

    do you what bus are we going to take from toledo?
    thank for the info…..

  39. Eve says:

    Hi Roy,
    I visited Mama Mary this month, I feel the presence of Mama Mary inside the church. We went there to kiss Mama Mary at the back, when
    I walk in line , I feel goosebumps all the way through the line. when I walk and kiss Mama Mary and kneel down at the side. I start crying and sorry for all my sins and thank you for the gift I received. I can make a good decision and peace of mind. my tears start flowing for no reasons.
    I’ved been there three times , every time i came here i never felt this way before but this is the first time Mama Mary touch my heart. She tells me im okay. When I left there I feel in my heart.
    All she wants us to do is Pray, Pray. That God helps us.
    Mama Mary helps us, whatever you need it 24/7. She is there all the time in that church.
    I thank you very much.
    Every time I visit Philippines, I always visit Mama Mary. How busy I am , I still try to go to Simala and feel Mama Mary’s presence and tell me
    I am still here if you need me.

  40. ivy says:

    hi

    me and my family are going to simala this coming september. i just wanna ask if say we hire a taxi from mactan airport going to simala then back to cebu city how much will it cost? thank you 🙂

  41. BETH BITOON says:

    HELLO MARK HOW R U ?IS THERE ANY HEAR HOTELS IN SIMALA?

  42. mel says:

    hi ! just wanted to ask if we can reach the place by car, and not taking tricycle/habal habal rides? thanks.

  43. BETH BITOON says:

    HELLO MARK HOW R U NOW?THANKS FOR UR INFORMATION ABOUT GOING THERE TO BIRHEN SA SIMALA.I WISH I COULD GO THERE A SACRAMENT PLACE ESPECIALLY FOR MAMA MARY,HOPEFULLY SOONER.THANKS AND GOD BLESS U !!!!

  44. Lone says:

    Hopefully during Sunday they will open 6:00 am as a lot of people comes from far places visiting the Virgin Mary.

  45. zher says:

    hi!

    just wanna know if every 13th of the month ang kanilang healing mass? and at what time po?

  46. Ma. Babylyn says:

    ganda po..sana makapunta ako dito..

  47. Lodevina A.Pagas-Sevilla says:

    I was in the monastery last october 2007,i am an archepilago away.I wish I could visit this Holy place someday again.Thnk you Lord for giving me the chance to experience the heavenlylike atmosphere.

  48. Mai E says:

    Hello,

    How to get there from negros if we will be on the ferry VIA Barili? I wanted to know of which one is the near from Toledo or Barili. Because we are residing here at San Carlos City Negros Occidental. My friend told me that we will go there via Barili from Guihulngan City. I wanted to know which is the nearest one so that we can be there early and able to be back home at last trip ferry ride.

    Looking forward of your reply.

    Thank yo so much.

    • christopher amores says:

      from san carlos city take a ferry boat to toledo city. take bus to cebu city and tell the conductor to be dropped at naga city (eskina going to southern cebu). take a bus with a sign board SIMALA / SIBONGA (or argao, oslob, liloan). tell the conductor to be dropped at simala, sibonga (eskina going to the monastery) take a habal habal (single motor) to the monastery. you will be there.

  49. Reah says:

    how can i reach this place coming from mactan airport? pls response.. thanks!

    • Reah,

      From the airport, take a metered taxi (fare about P200-P220) going to South Bound Bus Terminal. From the bus terminal, take a Sibonga route Bus (~P100). Tell the driver to drop you at the corner going to Simala. From the corner, take a tricycle of habal-habal going the the place.

  50. Robin says:

    Is there a place I may stay for a couple of months near this monastary?
    I would like a nice room or a reasonable cottage to get away from the techno stuff I have to deal with every day.
    Maybe even a room in a home with a family.
    About how much will it cost?
    My email: robin(dot)catton(at)gmail(dot)com

    Best regards…..Robin

  51. carin says:

    hi mark!

    do you know how can i reach simala from lahug?

    • Carin,

      From lahug, take a jeepney/taxi going to South Bus Terminal. Then take the bus going to Sibonga (or Alcoy, Dalaguete, Boljoon, Oslob). Tell the driver or assistant to drop you at the corner going to Birhen sa Simala. From the corner, take a solo motorcycle (habal-habal) or tricycle (motorela) going to the church.

  52. hazel taasan says:

    please check out this page: http://www.facebook.com/mamamaryofsimala
    and post some experiences if you like.. thanks.. 🙂

  53. roy says:

    Ive been here almost every year I started 2008 until now. This place is really a sacred place many of my wishes came true. Im so thankful to Mama Mary for always being there for me when i almost needed her. Try to visit this place please I assure you Mama Mary will always there for you.

    Roy.

  54. dantz says:

    hope makarating ako sa magandang lugar nayan sooner..

  55. imelda fordaliza says:

    I had been there last January 16, 2011 through a friend. Mother Mary is indeed a great intercessor. as soon as i get out of the monastery just in the parking lot God send someone in response to my prayer. Grabe talaga si Mother Mary ka lakas kay Lord.

  56. sarah mae says:

    thnx so much 😉

  57. sarah mae says:

    hi mark,

    how to reach this place…from talamban, cebu?

    • Mark Maranga says:

      Sarah Mae,

      To reach Birhen sa Simala from Talamban:

      1. Take a 13C jeepney going to the South Bound Bus Terminal.
      2. From the Terminal, take a Bus going to Sibonga (or Bus with signboards of further Municipalities such as Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, etc). Tell the conductor/assistant to drop you at the corner going to “Simala”. It is found at the right side of the road.
      3. Then finally, take a “habal-habal” (motorcycle for hire) going to the Monastery/Simala.

  58. jeff says:

    ayos talaga dito boss,,,,,,,

    • flor diacor says:

      hello’have a bless day”im flor from bohol”i was there in simala last september 8 together w/myfriend i’ll try to post here bcoz we would like to search how to get the contact number of simala shrine”naiwan po kasi nang friend koh yong wallet nya sa my souvenir shop.

    • fe says:

      hi Mark please my Bother is in Cebu gusto ko syang papuntahin sa lugar na yan kong maari mobile mo para maka text naman sya sa inyo ug asa sya makasakay pa ingon diha a sa lugar na yan dinaman nya kabisado pls lang Jojo cabalade ngalan nya usa sya mo pa uli sa Leyte pa an haon nako sya sa Simala


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