Two parishes in the Diocese of Camden will host international expert Russ Breault as he shares his highly-acclaimed video presentation exploring the research and intrigue surrounding the Shroud of Turin, which is believed to be the burial shroud of Jesus.
“’Shroud Encounter’ is a comprehensive big-screen examination of the world’s greatest unsolved mystery known as the Shroud of Turin,” Breault said. “Using over 200 animated images, people will learn about the extensive science that has been employed to solve the cloth’s mystery, making it the most analyzed artifact in history. People will also learn of its historical trail dating all the way back to the 1st century, when it was brought from Jerusalem to ancient Edessa by the Apostle Jude Thaddeus.”
The Shroud, a 14-foot long linen cloth that has long been in Turin, Italy, “bears the faint front and back image of a 5’10” bearded man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account as recorded in the bible.”
“Shroud Encounter” will visit Saint Andrew the Apostle Church, 27 Kresson-Gibbsboro Road, Gibbsboro, at 3 p.m. on Feb. 18. Another presentation will be made at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (724 Maple Ave.), Linwood, at 7 p.m. on March 23. Admission to both programs is free, and Breault suggests arriving early.
Breault will explore the history of the artifact, as well as the evolution of scientific research and analysis that have surrounded it over the years. In 1981, a team of 33 scientists concluded that the shroud was not the work of an artist, and in 1995 it was determined that the shroud had human male DNA and human type AB blood. While carbon dating research in 1988 suggested a medieval origin, subsequent research cast doubt on that conclusion, and many scientists now believe that the carbon dating result was inconclusive.
“Never has the Christian faith come under such attack by the forces of skepticism and secularism,” said Breault. “The power of the Shroud is that it goes to the very core of the Christian message and testifies to the life, suffering, Death and Resurrection of Jesus.”
Breault encourages people from all faith traditions to attend one of the presentations to learn about the Shroud.
“In particular, Catholics should see ‘Shroud Encounter’ as a means of fulfilling the call of Pope John Paul II to the ‘New Evangelization,’” he said. “Not only should they come, but they should invite a friend or family member who is sitting on the sidelines of faith. The Shroud is a unique challenge to the Doubting Thomas of our age who is honestly looking for evidence that supports the claims of Christianity.”
To learn more, visit www.ShroudEncounter.com.
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