The Shroud of Turin has survived almost 2 millennia through the care of thousands and the providence of God. There are those who continue to try to prove it is not the burial cloth of Jesus, and yet, as science continues to develop and provide improved tools to show it is a “fake”, those very efforts merely reinforce the mystery and validity of the Shroud.
St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Cumming has built a world-class, permanent display of the Shroud. This display explains the history of the shroud, the science behind the evidence that supports the current understanding that it is over 98% likely to be genuine (burial cloth from the 1st century Palestine) and less than 1% likely to be a fake.
The display includes a certified replica of the Shroud from the Commission on the Shroud in Turin, Italy, along with replicas of the Cap of Thorns, the nails used in the crucifixion, and an analysis of the weapons used to scourge the “man in the shroud”. It also presents scientific facts about the “man in the shroud”; height. weight, and a computerized 3-D image of the body.
The centerpiece of the St. Brendan’s exhibit is a life-sized bronze sculpture titled “The Body of the Man in the Holy Shroud 2022.” This work was sanctioned and created by Luigi Enzo Mattei, a renowned Italian artist.
- Significance: Mattei previously created four similar sculptures that were gifted to or reside in high-profile locations like Jerusalem, Rome, and the Vatican (the original mold for those was retired and given to Pope Francis).
- Exclusive Approval: Mattei created a new, original mold specifically for the Cumming, GA exhibit, making it the only sculpture of its kind in the world at the time of its installation.
You can visit the exhibit at anytime but if you would like to enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit from trained Shroud guides, sign up for one of our sponsored tours during Lent. This will make your Lenten preparation very special! We are offering tours on Thursday mornings and Saturday afternoons. SIGN UP HERE
