Türkiye’s House of Virgin Mary inspires replica in Philippines
ALFONSO, Philippines
A full-scale replica of the House of the Virgin Mary, one of Türkiye’s most significant Christian pilgrimage sites near the ancient city of Ephesus in the western province of İzmir, is attracting Catholic devotees in the Philippines, bringing the revered shrine closer to believers in Asia’s largest Catholic nation.
Opened in 2024 in the town of Alfonso, about 70 kilometers south of Manila, the 67-square-meter replica faithfully reproduces the dimensions, appearance and stonework of the original site in Türkiye, where Catholic tradition holds that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years under the care of the Apostle John after the crucifixion.
The project was spearheaded by Father Dennis Paez, who envisioned the replica as a place of refuge where visitors could find comfort regardless of their background. Built over 10 months with the help of workers from different faiths, the shrine has already begun hosting pilgrimages and religious celebrations, including festivities marking the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
