Birhen sa Simala visit on my birthday

         March 16 to March 18, 2015, is the schedule of the visitation of the blessed Birhen of Simala here in Bohol at St. Joseph Cathedral.

The image of the miraculous Birhen of Simala.

          March 16 is my birthday and that same the day the Birhen of Simala arrived in the province. It was first procession in the town of Dauis before it was moved to St. Joseph Cathedral. A large number of people joined the mass which was celebrated by Bishop Leonardo Medroso at around seven in the evening. Later after the mass starts the kissing of her dress and coming right in front of the Birhen.

         Though I was not able to join the mass because of some surprising circumstances, I make it a point to a lot time to visit the Birhen. My friend and I decided to visit in the dawn. We went there at around four o'clock in the morning of May 17. Luckily, it didn't took us long in filling in the line unlike last night, a jam-packed people come together.

        As I have observed the other devotees on the line, brought a red rose to offer to the Birhen. Some brought their cameras and tablet to take a picture of the Birhen. As I move closer, I saw the image of the Birhen, crowned with shining and shimmering tiara, wearing a stunning dress with glimmering styles, with a silver rosary and beautiful red roses below her hands. The staff gives a cloth to most women to cover the half-lower portion of the body to give respect to the Birhen. When it was my turn, I vow down and kiss the dress of the Birhen. It was short and quick. After that, I go down the stairs then remove the cloth and proceeded in the pew to kneel and pray. The catechists hold a rectangular cloth above the devotees head.

        It was a remarkable event of my life since it was my first time to see miraculous Birhen. I am really blessed that I got the opportunity to glimpse the beautiful image of the Birhen and able to kiss and touch the lower portion of her dress. Indeed, it was an incredible and memorable experienced.