Washington D.C. — For six months, beginning on March 13, the Catholic Information Center (CIC) in Washington, D.C., will display a life-sized replica of the over 14-foot-long Shroud of Turin. The linen cloth shows a scientifically unexplained image of a crucified man believed to be Jesus Christ at the instant of His Resurrection.
That belief — held by millions worldwide — is based upon the torturous wounds and blood stains seen on the man’s body. These unique wounds mirror the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s suffering before and during His time on the Cross.
The Shroud possesses numerous mysteries unexplained by modern science and why this linen cloth remains the most studied archeological object in human history. The overarching question is why and how a deceased man’s anatomically perfect front-to-back full body image appears on a centuries-old linen burial shroud.
In 1981, The Shroud of Turin Research project (STURP) —the most comprehensive hands-on scientific study ever conducted — famously concluded, “The Shroud image is that of a real human form of a scourged, crucified man. It is not the product of an artist.”
Since 1578 the Shroud of Turin has resided at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. Meanwhile, “the life-sized Shroud replica on display at CIC is a special collaboration among four organizations,” said Fr. Charles Trullols, Director of CIC.
The collaboration begins with the replica produced by the International Center for Sindonology in Turin, Italy — the authorities who provide for the Shroud of Turin’s scientifically-based daily care. Second, the Center gifted the replica to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. Third, the Bible museum loaned it to the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit (NSTE) for its first “mini-exhibit” at CIC.
The Executive Director of NSTE, Myra Kahn Adams, said, “We are thankful to the prestigious CIC for hosting the Shroud replica. Our mission is to produce a high-tech permanent exhibit about the Shroud in the nation’s capital. CIC hosting the replica is a positive and blessed first step.” Then she added, “Many consider the Shroud of Turin the world’s first ‘selfie.’ And that is not a joke. The more people learn about the mysterious Shroud, the more they believe in its authenticity.”
To celebrate the Shroud replica, a grand opening reception and informative panel discussion will be on Tuesday, March 28, from 6-8 pm at CIC, 1501 K Street, NW Washington, D.C., 20005.
Space is limited, and registration is required. Media is encouraged to attend but must register by March 24 to mary.warren@cicdc.org
The Catholic Information Center is committed to making the Catholic Church alive in the hearts and minds of those living and working in our nation’s capital. For more information, visit cicdc.org and NationalShroudofTurinExhibit.org.