A life-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin is up on display at the Catholic Information Center (CIC) in Washington, DC, where it will remain for six months. The over 14-foot-long replica was made for the Museum of the Bible, which has loaned it to the CIC for this “mini exhibit.” The National Shroud of Turin Exhibit reportedly intends to create a permanent, comprehensive Shroud of Turin exhibit in the U.S. Capital.
Aleteia has often written on the Shroud of Turin, the cryptic cloth that many believe to be the true shroud in which Christ was buried. While it is not officially recognized by the Catholic Church to be a relic, the curious, anatomically correct image of a scourged man – appearing as a photographic negative – has been found to reflect the wounds inflicted on Christ according to the biblical narratives of the Passion.
The mystery of the shroud has spurred devotion in the faithful, with many making pilgrimages to to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, where it has been housed since 1578.
Now, however, those in the Western Hemisphere won’t have to travel quite as far, with the addition of the replica to the Museum of the Bible’s collection.
According to a press release, the replica was produced by the International Center for Sindonology in Turin, which is the organization responsible for the daily care of the shroud. The replica was donated to the Museum of the Bible, which loaned it to the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit (NSTE). The NSTE is responsible for the current six-month display at the Catholic Information Center.
Executive Director of NSTE Myra Kahn Adams said in the press release:
“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.”
The exhibit will begin with a grand opening celebration on March 28. The event is already completely booked, but those interested in viewing the replica will have many opportunities to do so throughout the duration of its display. Visit the Catholic Information Center to learn more.
