SHOULD
WE BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SHROUD OF TURIN? *** In May 1898, when the Holy Shroud was on display, a photographer, Segundo Pia, took pictures using a simple camera. As the plates were developed, he found out, to his utter surprise, that they were not a negative image of the Shroud, but the image of a man with light and shadow and the relief of a sculpted figure. He had obtained a positive image on his negative plate because the Holy Shroud is itself a negative. The sensational news spread rapidly and scientists tried to find the reason for the negative imprint of the Holy Shroud, an image which preceded the discovery of photography by many centuries. Studies continue, more so since 1931, when Giuseppe Enrie produced excellent photos of the Shroud. Dr Pierre Barbet, from Paris, carefully studied the effects of the passion on the body represented on the cloth. Father Edward Wuenschel, an American Redemptorist, dedicated his life to researching the Holy Shroud. After 1930, the increase in published work on the subject fascinated millions of readers. The historical, theological and biblical features of the Holy Shroud were the topic for many magazine articles and conferences.
Father Adam Ottorbein, another Redemptorist, succeeded
Father Wuenschel in 1950. He founded the ‘Holy
Shroud Guild’ to spread the knowledge of the Holy
Shroud and to encourage further studies by learned
scientists. It became clear that the Holy Shroud
was not a painting. In 1978, the Holy Shroud was exposed for veneration. A sophisticated technology was used for skillful studies. The chemicals and fibers in the Shroud were examined closely, using the most modern instruments and laboratory analyses. The results were highly publicized. In 1988, some experts concluded that the Holy Shroud was a forgery dating from the Middle Ages. However, few were aware that the particles of the Shroud used for the carbon-dating tests were all from the same piece, damaged in 1532 by fire and water. The cloth was contaminated. Recently, positive results have been obtained. There is now botanical evidence obtained by pollen experts: on the Shroud, they found traces of plants which, in their combination, exist only in Palestine; the Shroud presents the likeness of a man having suffered the Roman crucifixion, according to details mentioned in the Gospel, etc.; there is resemblance between the Holy Shroud of Turin and the Sudarium of Orvieto, the cloth that would have been over Jesus’ head in the tomb (Jn 20: 7). In 1998, the Holy Shroud was again displayed for veneration in Turin. Millions of faithful went to contemplate it, including Pope John Paul II. Another veneration of the Shroud was made possible during Jubilee 2000. Scientists from different continents, Europe, Asia, America and Australia still pursue their studies of the Holy Shroud of Turin. We find pictures of the Holy Shroud everywhere; the Shroud and its message continue to be the focus of annual conferences. Fathers Fred Brinkmann and John P. Kennington, American Redemptorists, still promote the Holy Shroud apostolate. |