A replica of the House of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines is drawing Catholic devotees, offering many believers a place of prayer and comfort without having to travel to Turkey.

The original House of the Virgin Mary is located in Ephesus, Turkey, where Catholic tradition says Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Now, a carefully built replica in Alfonso town, about 70 kilometres south of Manila, is welcoming pilgrims from across the Philippines, Asia's largest Catholic nation.

"The idea began as a place of refuge," said Father Dennis Paez, who led the project. "This is a place where no questions are asked."

The shrine opened in 2024 and has already hosted several Catholic pilgrimages, including celebrations for the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel earlier this month. The 67-square-metre building closely matches the original in Turkey, including its size, shape and stone design.

According to Catholic tradition, Mary lived in the house after the crucifixion of Jesus until her assumption into heaven. It is believed that the apostle John brought her there to protect her from persecution in Jerusalem.

Father Paez said the replica took around 10 months to build. People from different religious backgrounds worked together on the project, something he described as a symbol of the Virgin Mary bringing everyone together.

He said the shrine welcomes everyone without judgment.

"There is no therapy here. The therapist is our Mother," said Paez, who is also a psychologist working with young people.

Deep devotion to Mary in the Philippines
The Philippines has a population of about 113 million people, with nearly 80% identifying as Catholic.

Devotion to the Virgin Mary is deeply rooted in Filipino religious life. She is widely known as the Blessed Mother, and processions in her honour are held throughout the country.

"We are a long-suffering people," Paez said. "Our greatest wealth is our faith, and much of that faith is inspired by the Blessed Mother."

Religious historian Michael Delos Reyes said devotion to Mary dates back to the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. Over time, many Filipinos have turned to her during times of national hardship.

Some believers credit Mary's intercession during the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended Ferdinand Marcos' rule. Others sought hope in her after Typhoon Haiyan devastated parts of the country in 2013.

A symbol of comfort and hope
The phrase "To Jesus through Mary" reflects Mary's important role in Filipino Catholic life.

Deirdre de la Cruz, a history and Southeast Asian studies professor at the University of Michigan, said many Filipinos feel a strong connection with Mary because of her caring and motherly image.

She noted that images of the Virgin Mary and rosaries are commonly seen in homes, vehicles, churches and public spaces across the country.

"As someone who is known to provide comfort, Mary is a familiar figure whom people turn to during difficult times," she said.

Visitor Daphne Oseña Paez said her devotion to Mary became much stronger as an adult. A visit to Mexico to see the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a difficult pregnancy deepened her faith.

"We don't pray to Mary herself, but Mary intercedes for us," she said. "Whenever I faced hardships, I found comfort in her love as a mother."

Bringing a holy place closer to home
Inside the replica, donated images of the Virgin Mary line the walls. At its centre stands a statue based on the one in Turkey, along with a relic believed to be from Mary's veil.

Many of the Marian images were donated by art collector and cultural advocate Maritess Pineda, who said she had long hoped to find a permanent home for her collection.

Rupert Suarez, who had previously visited the original shrine in Turkey with his wife, also joined the project after learning about plans to build the replica.

"I usually pray to the Mother," Suarez said. "It is truly a blessing that we now have this replica here."

Although the shrine has received little publicity since opening, Father Paez said pilgrims continue to arrive.

"I don't think I am the one bringing them," he said. "It is the Blessed Mother inviting them to come."