Articles from the month of October!
Rosary Month & Simala Pilgrimage
Visiting one of the famous Marian shrines in Cebu is not obligatory for a novice; however, considering that the majority of the 10th APAN batch (2025–2026) are foreigners to the island, the visit was included in their schedule.
As part of the culmination of the celebration of the Month of the Rosary, last October 23, the novices, together with their master, visited the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, popularly known as the Simala Shrine, located in the mountainous area of Sibonga, Cebu. The visit was considered a short pilgrimage in honor of the Blessed Virgin—a visible expression of faith in the Virgin Mother during this blessed month. The almost two-hour journey from the Augustinian Prayer and Novitiate House in Mohon, Talisay was a sacrifice that proved worthwhile as they arrived, astonished by the beauty of the landscape. The cold air and the peaceful, green scenery indeed provided a perfect moment for spiritual renewal, interior reflection, and a deeper connection with God. Before exploring the place, the group went directly to the chapel and prayed the Holy Rosary together in one corner.
This visitation became one of the most unforgettable moments for the novices. They witnessed countless devotees visiting the shrine and read numerous testimonies—such as letters of gratitude from those who had been healed from illness, passed examinations, and received other favors. These testimonies, displayed in a small public museum, were not necessarily meant as proof of the shrine’s miraculous nature but, above all, as inspirational messages encouraging others to grow in love and develop a special devotion to Mary. As one who is very close to Jesus, she surely intercedes for the prayers and petitions of the faithful.
Augustine on Humility
