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A miracle in Simala, Cebu
September 10, 2007Marian shrine draws 50T folks
Source: Sunstar.com
An estimated 50,000 people flocked to Upper Lindogon, Barangay Simala in Sibonga Saturday, a feast day that celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Some offered flowers while others gave petitions at the shrine, which devotees believe to be miraculous and which they credit for the end of a dengue fever outbreak.
On what used to be a bare, rocky hill, a chapel was built on the site before the two-story Marian Monks of the Eucharistic Adoration church came to be.
The sanctuary, at least two kilometers from the highway, was visited by devotees, some of whom came as early as Friday night. Blue and white banderitas lined the way.
Babies cradled by their parents, teenagers normally seen in malls, young professionals and old people who could barely walk without assistance trudged the trail leading up the hill.
Some came to honor promises.
Among them was 62-year-old Zosimo Gellica Villadolid, Carcar town, who is diabetic. He started making pilgrimages to Simala after his ailment started getting worse six years ago.
“I don’t know if I got cured but I felt better. Every time I come here, I always feel relieved,” he said in Cebuano. Since then, he made an oath to always visit the place, not just on the Virgin Mary’s birthday.
While others came out of curiosity after hearing about the site, most of those who went asked for divine intervention.
There were those who want to pass board exams. Others want to be cured.
Bantay Radyo’s Mar “Hala-Bira” Mendez, a regular visitor, said he once brought a grandchild who could not open his eyes.
After praying to the Blessed Mother at the sanctuary, the child was healed.
