Unraveling the mystery of the Shroud of Turin

THE Shroud of Turin, a centuries-old linen cloth showing the image of a crucified man has, for hundreds of years, been revered as the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth. It has been kept in a chapel in the Cathedral of Turin since 1694 where pilgrims get the chance to see it two or three times within a century when it is put up for public exposition.

Last exhibited to the public on October 22, 2000, the Shroud's next official exposition is scheduled in 2025. However, Filipinos need not have to wait for 18 years nor travel thousand of miles to see it. The Shroud Exhibits International, Inc., the local counterpart of the Shroud Exhibits International Limited in USA, has been granted the license to manage the exhibits of the Holy Shroud in the country which will go on until the first quarter of 2008. The Philippine exhibit will be the first in Asia and second in the world. It will start on July 20 at SM City, Pampanga, and then go on exhibit at SM Mall of Asia from Sept 8 to Dec. 9; SM Davao from Jan. 18 to Feb. 3, 2008; and SM City Cebu from April 4-27, 2008.

Shroud Exhibit International president, Irene Lloren said the exhibit items are part of the collection of Mr. Barrie Schwortz, a photographer; who was officially commissioned by King Umberto II of Savoy, the Shroud’s previous monarch-owner; to document the Shroud.

“The exhibit features exclusive video clips, special artifacts, and over 80 items never been shown before in the Philippines and in Asia,” said Lloren.

Lloren said visitors will be given a tour of the historical journey of the shroud and the various theories surrounding its authenticity.

She also said the exhibit is envisioned to be a “spiritual journey for every Christian, a soulful pilgrimage in search of a symbol of faith.”

Visitors viewing the exhibits will be divided into groups of fifty. They will be shown first a comprehensive video summary of what to expect from the journey they are about to commence.

The visitors are then led along the Way of the Cross, reliving the passion of Christ, journeying from the trial to Calvary, until his death and burial.

“Featured in this section of the exhibit are artifacts, such as the whip, crown of thorns and nails, that are commissioned from the armourer of the movie Lord of the Rings,” explained Lloren. “A virtual showcase also awaits visitors, as there will be moving images of the scourging at the Pillar and the scene at Mt. Calvary to further the spiritual experience,” she added.

The exhibit also shows the varied means applied to establish the Shroud’s authenticity, based on art and architecture, science and technology, and the Bible. The different theories surrounding the Shroud are also tackled, such as the Leonardo Da Vinci theory, the Photograph theory, Middle East Pollen theory, Hemoglobin discovery, Templar theory, the Risen Christ theory and the Carbon Dating story.

A replica of the Shroud of Turin recreated in 2005 from Shwortz' original photos are also on display. The replica is reproduced in full-size transparencies and digital prints in both positive and negative formats.

An adoration chapel has been put up in the exhibit area to provide a quiet place for visitors who may wish to spend some moments of prayer and reflection.

“The area allows visitors to relive their experience, to reflect on the Shroud and what it means to their faith, and to carry out the message of the Shroud in their activities,” explained Lloren.

Organizers expect large crowd of visitors from various sectors especially students, the academe, religious organizations, Church groups and the general public to come and view the exhibit.

The exhibit has been endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education. Proceeds from the exhibit will benefit the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Face, The Holy One of the Lord Catholic Foundation, Inc. and the Diocese of Parañaque.

Anyone who wants additional information on the event can contact Shroud Exhibit International, Inc. at 895-2966 or 610-0870, or email shroudexhibits@yahoo.com