Devotion draws replica of holy house to Philippines

A spiritual replica of the House of the Virgin Mary has been inaugurated in Alfonso, Philippines, a town approximately 70 kilometers south of Manila. This 67-square-meter structure precisely replicates the dimensions, shape, and stone appearance of the original shrine located in Ephesus, Turkey, where the mother of Jesus is believed to have resided during her final years.

The project, led by priest Dennis Paez, was conceived as a place of refuge and acceptance. Construction took approximately 10 months, with workers of diverse faiths contributing, an aspect Paez viewed as a symbol of unity. The replica has since hosted Catholic pilgrimages and celebrations, including those for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Philippine devotion to the Virgin Mary, often referred to as the Blessed Mother, is profound and dates back to the Spanish colonization in the 16th century. This Marian devotion influences the nation's faith, with many attributing significant historical events, such as the 1986 People Power Revolution and resilience during Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, to her intercession.

Filipinos find comfort in Mary's maternal aspect and her perceived power to intercede on behalf of believers. Marian iconography is ubiquitous in the country, adorning vehicles, public transport, and personal altars. The new replica offers a closer pilgrimage site for those seeking solace and connection to the Blessed Mother, echoing the sentiment 'To Jesus through Mary.'