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Ephesus · Since 1 January 2025, in a house granted by the Archdiocese of Izmir
Casa Kerigma Ephesus
A place of prayer, formation and hope in Ephesus. Casa Kerigma Ephesus was born to recreate the atmosphere of the first Christian communities, inspiring faith and hope through reflection on the New Testament and ecumenical dialogue.
"And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things." Justin, First Apology, 67
Why Ephesus
A crossroads of Christian history
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 community reflections. Mentioned nineteen times in the New Testament, Ephesus witnessed the preaching of Saint Paul and his community, the presence of the apostle John and of Mary, and of the Fathers of the Church.
Symbolic places of faith and spirituality
- The city of Ephesus, where Saint Paul lived with his community of disciples (Acts 19) and to which he addressed the Letter to the Ephesians.
- One of the seven letters of Revelation is addressed to the church of Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7).
- In 431 the Council of Ephesus was held here, proclaiming Mary "Theotokos", Mother of God.
- The Basilica of Saint John keeps the tomb of the beloved apostle and the memory of the writing of the fourth Gospel, the Letters and Revelation.
- The House of Mary, where the mother of Jesus lived beside the apostle John.
- The Churches of Revelation, symbol of the 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
A beacon of hope rooted in the Scriptures
Casa Kerigma Ephesus was born to offer a place of prayer, formation and encounter, where one can be immersed in the atmosphere of the first Christian communities and rediscover the transforming power of the Gospel. In a world often lacking points of reference, it wants to be a beacon of hope, rooted in the Scriptures and open to ecumenical and intercultural dialogue.
Meeting the Gospel in its land
through meditation on the texts of the New Testament and the witness of the first martyrs and Fathers of the Church.
Promoting reflection and dialogue
between Christian traditions and different cultures, in line with the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme.
Renewing spirituality
by creating an environment for priests, seminarians, religious and lay people dedicated to prayer, meditation and personal growth.
Getting to know the local Church
by fostering exchanges and encounters with those who live and bear witness to the faith in this land.
A project in communion
Continuity with Casa Kerigma Jerusalem
Casa Kerigma Ephesus is part of the path begun with Casa Kerigma Jerusalem, carrying its vision forward and broadening it. In Jerusalem one reflects on the dynamic of following Christ to the cross, the resurrection, the gift of the Consoler and the apostolic mandate; in Ephesus one deepens the writing of the New Testament, the preaching that gave life 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 shall be comforted." Isaiah 66:13
In the footsteps of John
Where the Gospel took root and gave rise to the first theological and community reflections.
The Basilica of Saint John, Ephesus
Mass among the columns of the Basilica of Saint John, in Ephesus
Experiences
What one lives at Casa Kerigma Ephesus
For participants
- Spiritual retreats and residential weeks: moments of reflection and prayer in a unique historical setting.
- Itinerant spiritual exercises: retracing the steps of Saint Paul and Saint John, meditating on the Scriptures where they were lived.
- Formation programmes: intensive courses in Johannine, Pauline and Marian theology, with an ecumenical and intercultural approach.
For dioceses and the universal Church
- Formation for seminarians: a path combining academic study and spiritual practice, with visits to the holy places of Ephesus.
- Ongoing formation for clergy: retreats, courses and moments of rereading of the priestly vocation.
- Apostolic leadership: workshops for young people and educators on leadership skills inspired by the apostles.
- Community life laboratory: paths for small groups in the style of the first Christian communities.
Other activities
- Meditation and study: deepening the sacred texts, the reflections of the Fathers and the conciliar documents.
- Ecumenical dialogue: fostering encounter between Christian traditions through shared reflection.
- Interculturality: workshops in line with the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities programme.
The week has the same rhythm as in Jerusalem, in the places of Paul, John and Mary: the week and the day →
The house
From 9 to 20 people, in fraternity
The house, granted by the Archdiocese of Izmir, is a few minutes from the archaeological excavations of Ephesus, the Basilica of Saint John and the House of Mary. A place designed to host 9 to 20 people in a setting of fraternity and discernment.
- Chapel: personal and community prayer.
- Study and meeting room: to reflect, discuss and grow together.
- Welcoming rooms: for pilgrims, students and residential groups.
- Common areas: to share meals, conversation and fraternity.
- 5,000 square metres of green: ideal for meditation and contemplation.
- Multipurpose area: a court for recreational activities such as basketball or volleyball.
Take part and support
Join the journey of Casa Kerigma Ephesus
How to take part
- Stays and retreats: residential weeks and formation paths immersed in the history of the first Christian communities. One asks to be welcomed; a stay has no price and is supported by a donation to Attendiamoci, proposed after confirmation.
- Partnerships: let us build together tailored programmes for dioceses, parishes and associations.
- Volunteering: give time and skills to support the house.
Support Casa Kerigma Ephesus
- Donations: every contribution supports maintenance, formation and hospitality.
- Partnerships: promote spiritual, educational and intercultural initiatives with us.
- Spreading the word: share the message of the house in your community.
Information: kerigma@attendiamoci.it