The Ephesus House in Alfonso, Cavite, is a 67-square-meter exact replica of the original shrine in Turkey. Spearheaded by Father Dennis Paez, this peaceful sanctuary mirrors the original dimensions and stone-for-stone look, serving as a spiritual refuge and pilgrimage destination for Filipino Catholics.
A Sanctuary Born from a Vision of Refuge
The Ephesus House stands as a testament to faith and devotion, bringing a piece of the sacred site in Turkey to the Philippine countryside. Father Dennis Paez, the Salesian priest who spearheaded the project, explained the inspiration behind the replica: "The idea began as a place of refuge... This is a place where no questions (are) asked" . Located in Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite—just a two-minute drive from Sonya's Garden—the shrine has quickly become a destination for pilgrims seeking solace and prayer .
The replica took about 10 months to complete, with workers of different faiths taking part in the construction . According to Catholic tradition, the original House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus is where Mary spent her final years after Jesus' crucifixion, brought there by the apostle John to escape persecution in Jerusalem . While the Vatican has not taken an official position on the authenticity of the site, it has been recognized as a place of pilgrimage and has been visited by popes.
A Faithful Replica with Sacred Relics
The 720-square-foot structure mirrors the exact dimensions, shape, and stone-for-stone look of the original site in Turkey . Inside, donated Marian icons line the walls, and at the center stands a statue of Mary modeled after the one in Turkey, alongside a relic said to be from her veil . The site also safeguards first-class relics of saints known for their devotion to the Mother of God .
Father Paez, who is also a psychologist specializing in supporting youth, describes the apostolate of the place as accepting people with unconditional positive regard: "There is no therapy here. The therapist is our Mother" . The site operates with an invitation-only system, where visitors are encouraged to reserve slots ahead of their visit. Admission is free of charge, but donations are welcome.
