The famed image of the “Birhen sa Simala” which has temporarily been displayed at the Shrine of the Birhen Sa Barangay in Tagbilaran City will be brought back to Cebu tomorrow.
Church authorities will be transporting the Birhen sa Simala on board a Lite Shipping vessel bound for Argao town on Friday afternoon.
It will then be taken back to its home at Marian Hills, Sitio Lindogon in Barangay Simala.
Since its arrival on Modnay, the statuette has been drawing thousands of devotees and the Catholic faithful, both young and old, who lined up to go near and get a glimpse at the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Some of those who thronged the church took 5 to 6 hours to go near the Birhen sa Simala.
Lines were long even in the wee hours, and more people are expected to visit the shrine on the statuette’s last day in Bohol.
A procession will be held at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday after a Holy Mass at 7 p.m.
The image will be taken around Tagbilaran City through Graham Avenue, Gallares Street, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, CPG Avenue and back to the Cogon Shrine.
On the final day, a Holy Mass will be celebrated at 3:45 a.m., 7 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy will then lead a sendoff Mass for the Birhen sa Simala before the image is taken to the city pier. (RT)