Pilgrims flock to replica of Pope John Paul II house in Bulacan

A replica of the late Pope John Paul II’s boyhood home in Bulacan province is becoming a major attraction for pilgrims, a Catholic news site reported. The replica of the late Pope’s boyhood home in Wadowice, Poland, is getting much attention amid the run-up to his beatification this Sunday. “The house in the northern town of Marilao in Bulacan province is situated in the compound of the Parish of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy and was built in 2005 soon after the pope’s death," the Union of Catholic Asian News reported. It added the house stands next to a chapel dedicated to Saint Faustina, the nun who started the devotion to the Divine Mercy, which was prohibited but later recognized by Pope John Paul II. Outside the house is a statue of the late pope, while inside are photographs tracing the life of the pope – whose real name is Karol Wojtyla – from his childhood to his death in 2005. Local historian Jaime Corpuz said he feels at peace standing in front of the house. “It feels different. I can sense that it’s sacred," he said. “I don’t usually go there, but when I do, I can feel it’s holy," added Jocelyn Gianan-Clemente, a resident of the town. Father Vicente Robles, founder of the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, said the house and the chapel are dubbed as their “Little Poland" exhibit. He said the house was built to promote the life and teachings of the late pope, while the “Little Poland" exhibit as a whole is looking to promote devotion to the Divine Mercy. — LBG, GMA News