As a young girl I vaguely remember learning about the “Veil of Veronica” in school.  While Jesus was carrying his cross to Calvary, an unknown woman used her veil to wipe his sweat and blood from his brow and then it bore the image of his face.  I thought about this as I went to visit The Man of the Shroud exhibit at my church this weekend.  (A full-length replica of the shroud said to contain the crucified image of Jesus).    

Perhaps the most studied artifact in human history, a piece of pale, ivory linen, lies at the heart of the age-old debate of religion versus science.  Many believe this shroud to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ, others take it as a Medieval forgery.  Whatever the case, there seems to be just enough evidence to affirm the believers, with just enough lacking to affirm the doubters.  Ultimately the verdict is in the heart of the beholder.   

Whatever the case, this piece of fabric seems to have been taken for a wild ride throughout history.  By 1355 it was well known in Europe and was displayed at many royal events in the 1400’s before becoming scorched in a fire in France in 1532. 

A century of scientific investigation was launched in 1898 when photographer Secondo Pia photographed the fabric and a much more pronounced image of a crucified man appeared on the negative. While examining this enhanced version of the image a number of interesting observations can be made.  According to the exhibit, the shroud contains the anatomically correct image of a man with blood stains matching biblical descriptions of Jesus’ torture and crucifixion.  More specifically 370 wounds from a three-thonged whip applied from two directions (scourging from Roman soldiers).  Also, exceptional blood flow from multiple wounds on the head (crown of thorns) as well as marks on the right shoulder and left shoulder blade (carrying beam of cross), lacerations and swelling of left kneecap (numerous falls).      

The teacher in me rests on the fact that more than anything this shroud serves as a vital visual aid in the public understanding the pain Jesus (and therefore his mother Mary watching) endured during his crucifixion.  The exhibit paints a clear step-by-step picture outlining more details than I was ever aware of.  For example, the bible says Jesus’ legs were not broken on the cross.  Why?  Broken legs on a cross equates to asphyxiation and therefore a quicker death, but Jesus was left to suffer longer.  Seven-inch Roman roofing nails were driven into Jesus’ wrists and two more were used on his feet to better prop up his body, extending his death.  Ultimately, Jesus would have died from a combination of factors including excessive blood loss leading to hypovolemic shock, accumulation of blood to lower extremities, and asphyxiation.   

Just as with the Marian apparitions, the church does not force belief onto the faithful.  Recent popes have not verbally acknowledged whether they believe the shroud is authentic to Jesus Christ but believe it to be an icon of love.  Pope Francis spoke of the shroud as representing “the face of every suffering and unjustly persecuted person.” 

The debate does not seem to be whether or not the shroud is that of a real human who was scourged and crucified, but whether that person was in fact Jesus Christ.  Personally, I wouldn’t expect God to leave us a miracle ironclad from doubt.  I don’t really think that’s His style, plus what would be the fun in that?  Ultimately, does it matter if it is real? 

Once again, the teacher in me looks at the objectives and evaluates what the Shroud of Turin accomplishes. 

  • Does the shroud bring the faithful closer to God?
  • Does the shroud educate the faithful about Jesus’ crucifixion? 
  • Does the shroud raise awareness of those persecuted in the world? 

Presumably everyone would agree “yes” to the above, yet it is human nature to demand proof.  Maybe it’s similar to the transubstantiation of our Eucharist at Holy Communion.  Whatever the case, no scientific test will ever be able to prove or disprove what is in our heart.  So go ahead and write your own narrative to fill in the gaps of the Shroud of Turin.  I believe God is an awesome ghostwriter, and He will direct your plotline accordingly.