The Shroud

For all of you that don't know, the Holy Shroud is on exhibit in Turin Italy. My visit here just happened to coincide with it being on exhibit. I mention this fact because it is a very rare occasion that they put it on exhibit. I was here last year and they had a big fire in the palace where they stored the shroud and it almost got damaged.... again. But luckily, this time it was encased in bullet proof glass and the silver box did not melt and burn the shroud like it did before. I guess you could say, I bought a book and read up on it... sorta bought into all the shroud festivities, and even went to go and see the thing.

It was a Sunday evening, was headed up to the palace to take more photos, and didn't really make the trip with the purpose of seeing the shroud. I knew it was the last evening that I would be able to go and see it because I would get back late the next evening and the exhibit would be closed.

I got to the cathedral and to my surprise there was a very small line.... in fact no line really, I figured I would enter to see what this was all about. No sooner had I entered the cathedral when I looked up and there it was. I must admit.... it was more a feeling of surprise, then any sort of religious revelation. Just thinking about what it was I was looking at.... kinda moved me.

The cathedral was very small and dark. Maybe 100-150 people in it tops. They had two lines that were passing in front of the shroud. The people who actually set an appointment to see it ( ironically enough... this can be done via the Internet ) got to pass 5-10 feet in front of the cloth. But people who just walked in off the street like myself could only get to with 25-35 feet from it. But since I have pretty decent vision.... I figured I was all set. The line moved in a very non uniform fashion. You could take a seat and just sit there for as long as you wanted, or you could walk to the front. If you spent too long in front, an assistant gave you a dirty look and implied you to move on. It really was quite interesting and I am glad that I did go and see it.

Photo positive

Photo positive - to show detail

For more info on the Shroud... go to http://www.shroud.com