Who Is the Man of the Shroud?

“Who Is the Man of the Shroud?”

A permanent exhibition donated to the evangelization ministry of The Pilgrim Center of Hope in 2011.

Why San Antonio?

In April and May of 2010, the Pilgrim Center of Hope conducted two pilgrimages to Turin to view the Shroud. During one of the pilgrimages the idea was proposed by a couple of pilgrims that an educational and devotional display dedicated to the Shroud be brought to San Antonio. 

One pilgrim donated the entire amount to “purchase” an exhibit that would feature a museum-quality display.

The Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin is an ancient 14-foot long linen cloth believed by many to be the actual burial garment of Jesus Christ.  Mysteriously imprinted on this cloth is the full-length, front and back image of a man with bloodstains corresponding to the wounds suffered by Our Lord during His scourging and crucifixion.

Since 1578 the Shroud has been kept locked away in a chapel of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, and is seen only rarely by the general public.

Could this really be the cloth wrapped around Christ’s body at his burial? This is the big question that has accompanied the mysterious history of this linen.

The evidence of history and science suggest that it could be, although neither can give us conclusive proof.

“Who Is the Man of the Shroud?” The Exhibit

A religious and scientific display of the various studies on the Shroud of Turin. Including botanical evidences and historical facts.

The display includes many items. Min. space: 1,500 sq. ft. Ideally: 3,000 sq. ft. The items are listed here:

Key Elements of the Exhibition

Life-size replica of the Shroud of Turin Life-size sculpture of the Man of the Shroud. Replica of the Crown of Thorns Replica of the Nails of Crucifixion Replica of a Roman flagrum Replica of a Roman lancea Touchable reproduction of the linen cloth of the Shroud Life-size hologram of the ventral and dorsal negative images Accurate crucifix based on Shroud details Model of tomb during time of Christ Detailed photos of wound areas in color and black-and-white Timeline maps of Shroud history Reflection garden with Stations of the Cross Photos of the 1978 S.T.U.R.P. investigation

Details of the Exhibition

The exhibition offers a documented explanation about the Shroud. A total of 22 panels display information about:

The history of the Turin Shroud (its itinerary in these 2000 years)The scientific research that has been done on the Shroud   The various sufferings evidenced on the Shroud, along with  reconstructions of: the crown of thorns, the nails of crucifixion, Roman whips, & more.

Details of the Exhibition (Holograms & Sculpture)

The most outstanding elements of our exposition are the digitalized and life-sized copy of the Shroud, two holograms showing the three-dimensional image of the Man of the Shroud, and a bronze life-sized statue of the Man of the Shroud, created by the Italian sculptor Luigi Mattei, who based his work on extensive studies of the Shroud.

This unique sculpture,  which  shows us the suffering body of the man who was wrapped in the Shroud, instills a sense of silence and reverence in those who look upon it in faith. It shows a swollen face marked by blows, yet full of a mysterious majesty, peace, and serenity. 

Since July 2006, the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem has displayed a permanent exhibition about the Shroud to help pilgrims gain a deeper understanding of Christ’s own Passion and Resurrection as they visit the holy places.

OTHER SITES: Rome, Italy & Sacramento, California

Following were photos taken in Jerusalem...

MAIN ENTRANCE to the

exhibition “Who is the Man of the Shroud?” at the Notre Dame in Jerusalem

General Exhibition Area

Bronze Statue of the Man of the Shroud, by Luigi Mattei

One of the panels

Replica of Shroud

“Crown of Thorns”

-notice explanation card and image

“Crown of Thorns” – A Closer Look

Instruments of Flagellation

--Notice panels in background.

Bronze Sculpture with Holograms in the background.

Two holograms featuring back and front of the man of the Shroud.

Closer Look of the Bronze Sculpture

“…the Shroud speaks to us of the moment of His Passion & Death; it witnesses precisely to the unique and unrepeatable interval in the history of humanity and the universe, in which God, in Jesus Christ, shared not only our dying, but also our remaining in death. The most radical solidarity.”

Pope Benedict XVI (Turin 2010)

Pilgrim Center of Hope

210-521-3377

www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org