Pampanga welcomes Shroud of Turin Exhibit (Posted: July 10, 2007)

San Fernando, Pampanga is set to be the first of four Philippine cities to host the upcoming Shroud of Turin exhibit. After enlightening New Zealand, Shroud Exhibits International, Inc. presents the Philippine Exhibition of The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin, opening on July 20 at SM Pampanga.

Revered for hundreds of years as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, the Shroud of Turin is locked away in a cathedral in Italy, publicly displayed only three or four times a century. On these rare occasions, pilgrims from all over the world troop to Turin to witness the exposition.

However, Filipinos need not wait until the next official exposition in 2025, as they have the chance to view the replica of this artifact together with over 80 other exhibit items from the collection of Mr. Barrie Schwortz, the Official Documenting Photographer commissioned by King Umberto II of Savoy, the Shroud\'s previous monarch-owner.

The Philippine Exhibition of the Shroud of Turin begins in Pampanga and will then be taken to SM Mall of Asia from Sept. 8 to Dec.9; SM City Davao from Jan. 18 to Feb.3, 2008; and SM City Cebu from April 4 to 27, 2008.

Managed by Primetrade Asia, Inc., endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Department of Education, and for the benefit of the Sisters of the Holy Face Congregation, The Holy One of the Lord Catholic Foundation, Inc., and the Diocese of Parañaque, the exhibit is a 45-minute lights and sound show that also features exclusive video clips and other special artifacts.

The exhibition allows visitors to journey with the Shroud’s history, discover the facts and myths behind the most studied archaeological artifact of all time, and unravel the mystery behind this treasured piece. Visitors will be taken on a module by module tour of the historical pilgrimage of the Shroud including the Way of the Cross, and the various theories based on art, science, technology, and the Bible that aim to shed light on this historical, scientific and ecclesiastical phenomenon.

A Reflection Room is also on hand for visitors who wish to spend some moments in quiet solace and prayer, while a special area of the exhibition is also set aside for special events, such as seminars and workshops, hosted by religious groups.

For more details, contact Shroud Exhibits International, Inc. at 895-2966 or 610-0870, or email shroudexhibits@yahoo.com.