Shroud of Turin unraveled in the Philippines

A centuries-old linen cloth bearing the image of a crucified man, the Shroud of Turin has been revered for hundreds of years as the burial shroud of Jesus of Nazareth. Locked away in a cathedral in Turin, Italy, the Shroud is only displayed three or four times a century, drawing pilgrims from all over the world to witness its exposition.

Although the next official exposition of the Shroud is slated in 2025, Filipinos do not have to wait for a couple more decades nor travel thousands of miles to see it. For the first time in the Philippines, and the first time in Asia, Shroud Exhibits International, Inc. presents the Philippine Exhibition of The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin.

After enlightening New Zealand, the exhibit's journey continues in the Philippines—the only predominantly Christian nation in Southeast Asia—as the country plays host to this very special exhibit that would allow visitors to journey with the Shroud's history, discover the facts and myths behind the most studied archaeological artifact of all time, and unravel the mystery behind this treasured piece.

The Philippine Exhibition of The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin opens on July 20 at SM City-Pampanga. It will then be taken to 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.

A unique experience

Managed by Primetrade Asia, Inc., endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, and for the benefit of the Sisters of the Holy Face Congregation, The Holy One of the Lord Catholic Foundation, Inc., and the Diocese of Parañaque, the exhibit is a one-of-a-kind, 45-minute lights and sound show.

“The exhibit features exclusive video clips, special artifacts, and over 80 exhibit items; never been shown before in the Philippines and in Asia,” reveals Irene Lloren, president of Shroud Exhibits International, Inc. “The exhibit items come from the collection of Mr. Barrie Schwortz, the Official Documenting Photographer commissioned by King Umberto II of Savoy, the Shroud's previous monarch-owner.”

Lloren continues, “Visitors will be taken on a module by module tour of the historical journey of the Shroud, and the various theories based on art, science, technology, and the Bible that aim to shed light on this historical, scientific and ecclesiastical phenomenon. In the end, this special exhibit is envisioned to be a spiritual journey for every Christian, a soulful pilgrimage in search of a symbol of faith.”

To ensure that visitors will fully experience the history and science behind the Shroud of Turin, visitors shall be divided into groups of fifty, first through a comprehensive video that summarizes what the visitors can expect from the journey they are about to undertake.

The visitors are then taken along the Way of the Cross, to relive the passion of Jesus Christ, journeying from the trial, to Calvary and 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,” explains Lloren. “A visual 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.”

The next part of the exhibit tackles the various methods used to prove or disprove the authenticity of the Shroud, based on art and architecture, science and technology, and the Bible. The various theories behind the Shroud are also discussed, such as the Leonardo Da Vinci theory, the Photograph theory, the Middle East Pollen theory, the Hemoglobin discovery, the Templar theory, the Risen Christ theory and the Carbon Dating story.

Further along the tour is the replica of the Shroud of Turin, which was recreated in 2005 from Shwortz' original photos, using the very latest digital photographic reproduction techniques- in life-size form on backlit and full-size transparencies, on full life-size digital prints and in both positive and negative formats, along with many close-ups of the individual detail of the man on the Shroud.

An Adoration Chapel is also on hand for visitors who wish to spend some moments in quiet solace and prayer, while a special area of the exhibition is also set aside for special events, such as seminars and workshops, hosted by religious groups.

“The last part of the tour serves to reach out to our visitors on a personal level,” concludes Lloren. “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.”

The exhibit is expected to draw large crowds consisting of students from elementary to college level, the academe and professionals from different industries, church groups such as parishes, seminaries, and congregations, other faith-based groups and organizations, and families and the general public as a whole.

For more details, contact Shroud Exhibits International, Inc. at 895-2966 or 610-0870, or email shroudexhibits@yahoo.com.