About 200 years ago, a Belgian nun (I was told the name but have forgotten) had a vision of Mary where she was was told the location of Mary's house. Apparently, there were 3 trees which were different from the local pines and it had water before it. Based on written documentation and the directions given to this nun, the search for Mary's house was started near Euphesus. Near 3 plane trees which do not occur anywhere else in this region and near a creek/small river, a first century house foundation was found. Based on this nun's vision, written history, and Jesus' direction to Mary and St. John the Divine to look after each other, it was concluded that this was the site. There is a house built (which of course is only a replica of what they thought this house may look like) and it is a pilgrimage site for the Muslims as well as the Christians.
There is a wall where messages to the Virgin Mother can be left but this is neither Christian nor Muslim tradition but rather a shamanist belief ofleaving messages to god a wishing tree. As messages were being left on many trees near the house and becoming unsightly, it was decided that a wall to contain the message would honour and preserve the older tradition.
Kathy, I lit candles for Mom, Dad and Nick. Lovely, serene site on a beautiful day,
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