The city of Selçuk, Turkey, famous for its closeness to the site of the ancient city of Ephesus, has announced plans to build a gigantic statue of Mary similar to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Tradition says Mary finished her earthy life in Ephesus with the Apostle John.

“This will be a magnificent statue,” the mayor of Selçuk said in a press conference, “like the Statue of Liberty in the U.S. and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janerio.”

“We still have some talks with a few investors for the statue. We will also seek for a place for it. The skirts of the Bülbül Mountains are the most probable place. We are exchanging views with experts for the statue’s structure, appearance, and transportation.”

The statue is part of a greater plan to increase “faith tourism” to the region after ancient Ephesus was included to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015. Among the sites that already draw 2.5 million pilgrims every year to the area is a building believed to the be Mary’s home. The building was discovered by a priest and nun in the 19th century based on information from the mystical visions of Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich.

What do you think of their idea of a large statue of Mary in ancient Ephesus? Share your thoughts in the comments!

[See also: 7 Approved Recent Marian Apparitions, In 1 Cool Infographic]

[See also: Miraculous Messages: 10 Inspiring Quotes from Marian Apparitions]

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