Good Friday falls on April 10

Believing in the living Christ

By Prof. Fr. Louis Marie Navaratne O.S.B

This year is special for the Church and for all Christians because it is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Providentially, this is also the "YEAR OF THE HOLY SHROUD", since from April 12th to June 14th this year a public Exposition of the Holy Shroud is to be held in Turin (Italy) marking the 100th anniversary of the First Shroud Photograph and also the 500th anniversary of the consecration of the Turin Cathedral.

In this article the author's intention is to develop in detail certain selected topics (particularly that of the "IMAGE" on the Holy Shroud) which he had referred to in his previous articles on the Shroud - published in two parts by "The Sunday Times" (December 21st and 28th 1997) and by "The Island (December 21st and 28th 1997). Studies on the Shroud (Syndonology) today have reached such astounding depths and directions that a considerable amount of time and space would be needed to deal with all the aspects.

Without doubt, the Shroud of Turin is possibly the most discussed scientific artifact in the world, yet it is also a most enigmatic religious object which captures not merely the head but also the heart of anyone who takes interest in looking at it and searching for its meaning.

What better testimony could we have regarding the sanctity and authenticity of the Shroud and its image than those of the Popes themselves. For lack of space, only the bare minimum of the words of some Popes are reported below. But they should be sufficient to show that Mother Church, as in past centuries, now and always maintains her unflagging reverence and respect for this holiest of relics:

Pius XI ( 1934) "This photo is worth more than any study."

Pius XII (1953): "Turin, city of the Most Holy Sacrament, guards as a precious treasure the Holy Shroud, which displays, both to move and comfort us, the Image of the lifeless body and the tortured Face of Christ."

John XXIII (1956): "The Finger of God is here"

John Paul II (13 April, 1980 - During his pilgrimage to Turin):

"Indeed, it could hardly be otherwise in the city that holds such an unusual and mysterious relic as the Holy Shorud, a most singular record, if we accept the arguments of so many scientists, of Easter, the Passion, Death and Resurrection a mute, yet surprisingly eloquent witness." (20 April 1980 - in Rome): "In addition, Turin Cathedral, for centuries the home of the Holy Shroud, the most splendid relic of the Passion and the Resurrection."

Obviously, whenever the Turin Shroud is mentioned, nowadays, what comes to the fore are the scientific aspects. But, it should be noted that the Holy Shroud is first and foremost, a religious relic and has been preserved as such through all these centuries. As is well known, it is from the time of the first photograph of the Shroud image (1898) that the scientific world began to look inquiringly at the Holy Shroud. But, as for its presence and influence as a religious relic, historians of the calibre of lan Wilson have been able to establish the Shroud's existence from the earliest of centuries. (Cf. "The Turin Shroud"), Ian Wilson, New York, 1978, esp. Appendix, A pp. 287-305.) Whether it be in the form of the "Mysterious Portrait", the "Image of Edessa" the "Mandylion" or the full "Sindon", there is evidence that an Image of Christ "not made by human hands" (Acheiropoetos) existed even in 525 A. D.on which almost all other pictures of Christ had been modelled.

The Spirituality of the Shroud-Image

Now, the spirituality of the Shroud is all centred on the Image of Jesus Christ - the Word of God become flesh - and - blood for us, who "taking the form of a slave, became as all men are. He humbled Himself, obediently accepting death, the death on a cross. But God raised Him up." (Philippians 2:7-9) St. Paul, whose Letters are an integral part of the Christian Bible ( at least, as Mother Church had conceived it ) continuously insists on the fact that the "transcendent", "invisible", "unapproachable " and "untouchable" God of the Old Testament had become visible in the Person and image of Jesus Christ.

A major source of inspiration towards the acceptance and consequent growth of a Christian theology of Image or Icon seems to have been the existence of the Holy Shroud and its mysterious Image of Christ.

As for the modern day development and diffusion of Holy Face devotion and spirituality, there could hardly be any doubt at all that it is all very much influenced by the Holy Shroud.

Incidentally, a few weeks ago Fr. Hilary Conti wrote to the present Prior of Monte Fano, Very Rev. Fr. Anselm Fonseka, O.S.B., through whom he sent the following note to the present writer. (on a small piece of paper under the caption "Who is this Man"):

"Hundreds of books and articles, in all languages, have been written in the last 100 years, from 1898 to 1998, to identify, or deny the name of this Man. One thing is certain. On the Holy Shroud we have a graphic description, authentic or not of the stark reality of the crucifixion, the price of our Redemption. The Gospels give us an historical description of the Passion and Death of Our Lord. On the Holy Shroud we see with our own eyes the same story visualized. On the Face we see the eyes closed in death. ...it reminds us of the death of Jesus, the greatest sign of His love for us."

Four Gospels

While the four Gospels have given a few details regarding the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a fifth Gospel the Burial Cloth of the Lord - is revealing staggering details of how much and how deeply Christ suffered.

Next week: A snapshot of resurrection

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