June 14, 2014

St. Benedict's Monastery - The Simala of the North

When city people mentioned that they want to go to Simala, more often, they actually refer to the Sacred Castle of Mama Mary. Northern Cebu's counterpart is St. Benedict's Monastery. Although it doesn't have the grand castle, it's the closest comparison to the Sacred Castle of Mama Mary in Simala, Sibonga, Cebu.

We started the trip at around 7:00AM. Then, we took our breakfast in the public market of Carmen. After  that, we headed straight to St. Benedict's Monastery. Since this was our first time, we got lost even though it's located on the side of the road. A little complicated story so let's just leave it at that. lolz.

You only have to trek the road going to Uragay Spring and Durano Eco Farm. The monastery is after around a kilometer from Durano Eco Farm.

Once you get there, it's actually obvious because of the entrance arch with the big name on it: St. Benedict's Monastery. It's very visible on the side of the road.


We then went inside, said some prayers then took a couple of photos.

A small prayer hall for the souls.
The 12 Apostles in front of the Church.
Queen of the Holy Eucharist. St. Benedict on the left,
St. Scholastica on the right.
This is the monastery. Look at the view.
Quite amazing!
My daughter posing with the giant
statue of Sñr. Sto. Niño de Cebu.
Now, my wife and daughter posing with
the giant Sñr. Sto. Niño de Cebu.
Strolling inside the compound.
Facade of the the Church.
The Way of the Cross
The end part of the Way of the Cross
Wifey posing with the flowers.
Posing with the giant statue of Jesus Christ.
Scoopero in Carmen.
Scooperos in Carmen.
My daughter with a lovely flower in her ear.
View past the entrance.
Mesha at the parking area 1
Mesha in another angle.
San Pedro Calungsod Chapel.
About to leave the monastery.
After visiting St. Benedict's Monastery, we saw these fresh and large mangoes on the side of the road for sale at Php20/kilo. Wow! O_o. We bought 4 kilos. lolz.


Until next ride. More photos here at our facebook album.

Ride Safe! Ride Scoopy! Godspeed!