SMITHFIELD — The Shroud of Turin is the most analyzed artifact in the world, yet it remains a mystery. The 14-foot-long linen cloth has been in Turin, Italy, for more than 400 years and bears the faint front and back image of a 5-foot-10-inch bearded, crucified man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account as recorded in the Bible.
A traveling exhibit that brings this mystery to life will visit Rhode Island next week.
Shroud Encounter, a production of the Shroud of Turin Education Project, Inc., will be presented by international expert Russ Breault at St. Philip Church, 618 Putnam Pike, Greenville, on Saturday, March 10 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 at 2 p.m. Shroud Encounter is a fast-paced, educational and entertaining big-screen experience using more than 200 images covering all aspects of shroud research. The presentation is an opportunity to explore this enigma with one of the world’s leading Shroud experts.
Breault has been featured in several national documentaries seen on CBS, as well as the History and Discovery channels. He was interviewed earlier this year for Good Morning America to discuss the latest findings.
Millions of people over the centuries have believed the cloth to be the actual burial shroud of Jesus. Its historical trail, which tracks back through Italy, France, and Asia Minor (Turkey), may have originated in the Middle East according to botanical evidence. A team of nearly 40 scientists concluded it was not the work of an artist.
Luigi Fava, a parishioner and catechist at St. Philip Church, was excited to help bring the event to Rhode Island, especially during Lent. Fava shared that the Shroud Encounter is a wonderful opportunity to walk with Jesus through his passion.
“Something like the shroud is a perfect message for our world today and I’m really excited to see how this goes and how people will perceive the event as they enter into Lent,” he said. “I hope this will help anyone who is curious. Taking that extra step in committing your faith if you want a little more assurance.”
A data scientist by profession, Fava shared that the Encounter is a perfect opportunity to see how faith and science come together.
“One of my favorite things about the cloth is that it brings the unity of faith and science. It shows that they belong together,” he said. “Whether you are rationally minded or you are more about the encounter, you get the two in one and I think that’s the point. It’s not God or man — it’s God and man. At the end of the day, this cloth appeals to both sides of the coin.”
Growing up Catholic, Fava shared that he felt that his faith wasn’t always top priority. Things started changing after he studied the writings of Catholic theologians and started his own family. Discovering more about the shroud also played a big role in strengthening his own faith. He added that through the Shroud Encounter presentation, Breault truly brings the attendees on a journey through the discovery process.
“He really was a master at keeping the suspense and leading from one clue to the next,” said Fava. “It is really satisfying because whatever question comes to your mind, many times the next thing he would address was your thought. It’s well done. He goes through the history, with maps and iconography evidence of where the shroud was and where it was hidden. History enhances the mystery, not just chemical lab stuff. It’s a great ride through everything that is known today about the shroud. It’s an amazing journey at understanding the lengths the Lord comes to meet us. It’s remarkable.”
A team of 24 scientists in 1981 found no visible trace of paint, pigment, dye or other artistic substances on the cloth. The blood is AB positive with human DNA. The Shroud was largely dismissed in 1988 when three carbon dating labs indicated a medieval origin. However chemical research published in a peer reviewed scientific journal in 2005 showed that the single sample cut from the outside corner edge may not have been part of the original shroud material. In violation of the sampling protocol, only one sample was used for dating and was cut from the most handled area of the cloth, an area that should have been avoided. The sample may have been part of a section that was repaired sometime during the Middle Ages.
Many scientists now believe the carbon dating result is inconclusive and should no longer be considered valid. Adding more doubt to the carbon dating tests, new chemical and mechanical tests published in 2013 by Italian scientists with Padua University indicate a date range of first century with a 250-year margin of error. The mystery continues. National Geographic called it “One of the most perplexing enigmas of modern times.”
Shroud Encounter will cover all aspects of the history, science, art and theories of how the image may have been formed.
For more information about the presentation, visit www.saintphilip.com, click on Shroud Encounter, then click Tickets & Events, select presentation date and follow payment instructions. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
