An exhibition around one of the most famous religious artefacts in history is coming to Halifax.
Visitors to Halifax Minster will be able to see a full-sized replica of the world-famous Shroud of Turin as part of a fascinating exhibition which will be on display in the Minster from October 12 to November 9.
The actual Shroud is housed in the cathedral of the Italian city of Turin and is a length of linen cloth that bears a faint image of the front and back of a man.
It has been venerated for centuries, especially by members of the Catholic Church, as the actual burial shroud used to wrap the body of Jesus of Nazareth after his crucifixion, and upon which his bodily image is miraculously imprinted.
As well as the full-sized replica of the Shroud of Turin, the exhibition will also feature other fascinating displays and detailed information boards, which cover evidence revealed by historical and scientific research, explaining how the Shroud’s image and bloodstains align with Gospel accounts.
Vicar of Halifax Minster, Revd Canon Hilary Barber said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this incredible exhibition here in Halifax and in the Minster. As many Halifax residents will know, the name ‘Halifax’ is believed to be derived from ‘Halig-fax’ which is Old English for ‘Holy Face’.
“The ‘Holy Face’ is also a phrase used to describe the face shown on the Shroud, the cloth which many believe covered the body of Jesus Christ in the tomb, and this exhibition will allow visitors to get up close to this Holy Face.”
On Monday, October 16, the fifth day of the exhibition, Michael Kowalski, author and editor of the British Society for the Turin Shroud (BSTS) Newsletter will give a talk on the Shroud of Turin including the controversy surrounding the 1988 carbon dating test.
Michael’s talk will cover a range of topics including a description of the shroud and its extraordinary markings, the enigmatic image which continues to defy scientific explanation, why the Shroud is often claimed to be the ‘Fifth Gospel’ as well as recent scientific evidence which indicates that the Shroud dates from the time of Christ.
The talk will be held in the Minster at 8pm. Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm.
Admission to the exhibition is also free and the Minster is open daily from 12pm to 4pm.
Read more about events at the Minster here: www.halifaxminster.org.uk/events