The Shroud of Turin, the most fascinating relic preserved by the Church, was widely venerated by the start of the 17th century. It has a mysterious history, one that has been studied intensely for many, many years.
Sketch of the Shroud by St. Thérèse’s sister, Sr. Geneviève of the Holy Face
Little-known fact: the Shroud has been copied for devotional purposes, and in miraculous circumstances.
Here are the facts.
Maria Maddelena, the Grand Duchess of Tuscany, commissioned a copy of the Holy Shroud in 1624.
After the copy was made, it was laid right on top of the actual Shroud, so that it could be venerated as a third class relic.
What happened next astonished everyone.
The copy was lifted off the original, and a damp mark—like blood—was found on the Shroud’s side wound.
The dark fluid had seeped into the copy lying on top.
300 years later, the scientists who examined the Holy Shroud analyzed its copy. The test results awed them: the dark patch was blood. The same blood as that on the original Shroud.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Dominicans of St. Clare’s Monastery in Rome received the shroud copy as a gift from Maddelena. Keeping it in their care for 300 years, they gave it to the Dominican monastery in Summit, New Jersey after World War I.
Want to learn more about the Holy Shroud? Read The Shroud of Jesus and the Sign John Ingeniously Concealed, a fascinating book packed with medical and forensic insights with Gospel accounts to unravel the mysteries of the shroud. Discover how this relic aligns with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. A great lenten read. Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
