DENVER — Benedict XVI's decision to allow a TV broadcast of the Shroud of Turin on March 30, Holy Saturday, has been lauded by experts for highlighting the link between the shroud and the death of Christ.
“Pope Benedict XVI, when he visited the shroud on pilgrimage in 2010, spoke about the shroud in terms of Holy Saturday,” John Jackson, co-founder of the Turin Shroud Center of Colorado, told Catholic News Agency March 7.
“From that vantage point, that all his remarks were made relative to Holy Saturday, it is fitting that the broadcast happens on Holy Saturday.”
The shroud is venerated as the burial cloth of Christ and bears a mysterious image of a man who suffered in a manner consistent with crucifixion. It is kept in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, and is rarely available for viewing.
The extremely limited access to seeing the shroud gives the TV broadcast particular significance. It will be shown internationally by the Italian public service broadcaster Rai 1.
On March 1, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin announced that, as part of the Year of Faith, he had gotten the consent of Benedict XVI, prior to his resignation, to have a worldwide TV exhibition of the shroud.
“The shroud, of course, reminds us of the passion, death and burial of the Lord, and then to Holy Friday, the day in which the Church remembers and celebrates the passion of Christ,” reflected Archbishop Nosiglia.
“Holy Saturday is a day of silent prayer and meditation on the Lord's death, but it is also a day of joyful waiting of the light of the Resurrection that will explode in the great celebration of the Easter vigil.”
The shroud, he noted, “is a witness of this double mystery: It brings us back to the darkness of the tomb, but it also opens the way to receive the light that from it will emerge, in the event of the Resurrection.”
The Holy Saturday broadcast of the shroud images is only the second ever, with the other occurrence taking place in 1973. “This is in honor of the 40th anniversary of the first TV exposition,” Jackson explained.
Sign of Victory
In his March 1 statement, Archbishop Nosiglia said that “the shroud is not a sign of defeat, but of victory, of life over death, of love over hatred and violence, hope over despair. ... The face of the Man of Sorrows, which is the face of every man on the earth, represents his suffering, his death; it speaks to us of love and gift, of grace and forgiveness.”
He added that the shroud is a reminder of “the proclamation of Christ dead, buried and risen again,” which is at the center of the Christian mystery.
The TV exhibition will last about an hour and will be part of a celebration led by Archbishop Nosiglia.
Holy Saturday, the archbishop observed, is “a day of silence, prayer, contemplation of the mystery of the passion and death of the Lord, but also a day of expectation and openness of heart and life in the light of the Resurrection.”
Archbishop Nosiglia voiced his hope “that this worldwide event will lead, in the hearts of many people who will see it, a little light and peace in these complex times and give strength and hope to many sick and poor, but also families and people in need.”
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Over 400 middle school children will attend a lecture on the Shroud at the church of the Resurection in Elliott City on March 15 at 1:00 pm. Adults may attend a lecture at 7:30 pm. Barrie Schwortz lectures around the world and at the Pontifical College in Rome. See http://www.Shroud.com
KJV John 20:3-8 “Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen cloth lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen cloth lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen cloth, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, AND BELIEVED.”
Thank you, Papa Emeritus Benedict, for allowing this special viewing of “the image not made by human hands.” It was my privilege and blessing to be at your 2010 Papal Mass in Turin during the public exhibition and this is a continuation of that gift!
Years ago, when I first saw the picture of the Holy Shroud. I knew in my heart and soul, that is was the image of Jesus Christ. My faith tells me so. I need no one to proof to me that it is My Lord and my God.
Sure, why should science that proves it’s a hoax be important?
Besides, if it isn’t Jesus (and I believe it is), you should pray for the person it is.
Dear Wendy, I beg you to do some more homework on the “science” that was used to test the Shroud. As someone with an advanced degree in science (with experience in various forms of dating, etc) I can honestly tell you there are some serious issues with the way and types of tests conducted. There are a large number of really good books on the subject which SCIENTIFICALLY refute the findings. However, don’t take my word for it. Simply search Amazon’s website on the subject. God Bless - Ryan
What time sat? Does anybody know what station?
I believe the Shroud is real, based upon several books I read. Many, but not all of the scientists from the original testings, believed it WAS the actual burial cloth of Jesus! At first they thought it was a painted image, but later found the color was actually “scorch”, as if the imprint was burned upon it. Also amazingly, the image is a photographic negative, similar to the old rolls of film we used to use. The light and dark areas were reversed! I believe the power of the Ressurection took an actual photo of the event. Also, the 3D tests proved without doubt that the cloth had been draped over an actual body, versus having been placed on a flat table and painted; the imprint showed signs of having been molded in 3D over a body. Pollens from Jerusalem were found on the cloth, the linen was used during the time of Jesus. The body was that of a 5’ 10” male, with signs of the crucifixcion markings on wrists and feet, side piercing, blood in crown formation at head, flagellation markings from whip, swollen, bloody knee where he fell carrying his cross, swollen, bloody cheek bone from being beaten, etc. I believe it was a miracle from God to us, to draw as many people to him as possible. “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should inherit eternal life.” Come quickly Lord Jesus!
What time on Sat, Mar 30 and on which TV station?
Would someone please inform us as to when & where we can see the Shroud display on television here in the Eastern U.S. today, Saturday, 3/30/2013? Thanks, & God Bless!
When & where will it be televised for U.S. viewers?
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