Ephesus
Home Efeso
A place of prayer, formation, and hope in Ephesus. Casa Efeso was created to recreate the atmosphere of the early Christian communities, inspiring faith and hope through reflection on the New Testament and ecumenical dialogue.
And on the day called Sunday, we gather in the same place in the city or in the countryside, and we read the memoirs of the Apostles and the writings of the Prophets as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the leader gives a speech to admonish and exhort imitation.
Giustino, Apologia, I, 67
Why Efeso
Ephesus is not just a city, but a crossroads of Christian history, a place where the Gospel took root and gave rise to the first theological and communal reflections. Mentioned 19 times in the New Testament, Ephesus witnessed the preaching of St. Paul and his community, the stay of the apostle John and Mary, and the Church Fathers. In 431, the Council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary as “Theotokos,” Mother of God.
Places symbolizing faith and spirituality:
The city of Ephesus, where Saint Paul lived with his community of disciples (Acts 19) and to whom he addressed the Letter to the Ephesians.
One of the seven letters of Revelation is addressed to the church in Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7).
In 431, the Council of Ephesus was held here.
The Basilica of St. John houses the tomb of the beloved apostle and preserves the memory of the writing of the fourth Gospel, the Letters, and the Apocalypse.
The House of Mary, where Jesus' mother lived alongside the apostle John.
The Churches of the Apocalypse, symbol of Christian faith in Asia Minor.
Ephesus is also the place where the first Christian community experienced Eucharistic sharing and reflected on Marian theology. Among ruins and sacred sites, the past illuminates the present and invites dialogue with the Scriptures and with the history of faith.
Mission and Vision
Casa Efeso was created to offer a place of prayer, formation, and encounter, where one can immerse oneself in the atmosphere of the early Christian communities and rediscover the transformative power of the Gospel. In a world often lacking points of reference, Casa Efeso is a beacon of hope, rooted in the Scriptures and open to ecumenical and intercultural dialogue.
Our mission:
Meet the Gospel in its Land through meditation on the texts of the New Testament and the testimony of the first martyrs and Fathers of the Church.
Promote reflection and dialogue between Christian traditions and different cultures, in line with the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities program.
Renew spirituality by creating an environment for priests, seminarians, religious, and laity, dedicated to prayer, meditation, and personal growth.
Get to know the local Church by promoting exchanges and meetings with those who live and witness the faith in this land.
A project in communion
Jerusalem & Ephesus: one vision of faith, formation, and hospitality.
Continuity with Casa Jerusalem
Casa Efeso is part of the journey that began in Jerusalem with Casa Jerusalem , carrying on his vision and expanding it. In Jerusalem, we reflect on the dynamics of following Christ to the cross, the resurrection, the gift of the Comforter, and the apostolic mandate; in Ephesus, we delve deeper into the writing of the New Testament, the preaching that gave rise to the first communities, and theological reflection in dialogue with the culture of the classical world.
As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you will be comforted. Isaiah 66:13.
For participants
Spiritual retreats and residential weeks: Moments of reflection and prayer immersed in a unique historical setting.
Itinerant spiritual exercises: Retrace the steps of St Paul and St John, meditating on the Scriptures in the places where they were lived.
Training programmes: Intensive courses in Johannine, Pauline and Marian theology, with an ecumenical and intercultural approach.
For dioceses and the universal Church
Training for seminarians: A programme combining academic study and spiritual practice, with visits to the sacred sites of Ephesus.
Refresher courses for clergy: Retreats, ongoing formation courses and opportunities to re-examine the priestly vocation.
Apostolic leadership: Workshops for young people and educators on leadership skills inspired by the apostles.
Community life workshop: Courses for small groups based on the style of the early Christian communities.
Other activities
Meditation and study: Deepening understanding of sacred texts, the reflections of the Church Fathers and conciliar documents.
Ecumenical dialogue: Promoting encounters between Christian traditions through shared reflection.
Interculturality: Workshops and seminars in line with the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme.
A typical week at Casa Efeso is a journey through history, faith, and spirituality: each day alternates between meditation, study, and sharing to encourage dialogue, inner renewal, and community growth.
The House
Casa Efeso is located just a few minutes from the archaeological excavations of Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and the House of Mary. It is a place designed to accommodate 9 to 20 people in an atmosphere of fraternity and discernment.
Spaces designed for spirituality and sharing:
Chapel: Moments of personal and communal prayer.
Study and meeting room: For reflection, discussion, and growth together.
Comfortable rooms: Designed for pilgrims, students, and residential groups.
Common areas: For sharing meals, dialogues, and fraternity.
5000 square meters of green space: Ideal for meditation and contemplation.
Multifunctional area: Field for recreational activities such as basketball or volleyball.
Participation and support
Join Casa Efeso on its journey and contribute to its mission of faith and hope.
How to participate:
Bookings and retreats: Experience residential weeks and training courses immersed in the history of the early Christian communities.
Collaborations: Let's build customised programmes together for dioceses, parishes and associations.
Volunteering: Donate your time and skills to support the activities of Casa Efeso and enjoy an experience of service.
Support Casa Efeso:
Donations: Every contribution supports maintenance, training and hospitality.
Partnerships: Promote spiritual, educational and intercultural initiatives with us.
Spreading the word: Share the message of Casa Efeso in your community.
