Located in the heart of Jerusalem, the Pontifical Institute of Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center is home to the permanent exhibition of the Holy Shroud.On display since 22 July 2006 in a free exhibit, it has drawn thousands of visitors, especially secular Jews.
The linen cloth, which John Paul II described as the ‘mirror of the Gospel’, is presented in a digitally recreated actual-size copy. Panels explaining the historic and scientific research associated with the shroud accompany it.
"The Shroud is for everybody,” said Fr Eamon Kelly, who works as a tour guide at the exhibit.
“Of course it is particularly meaningful for all Christians,” but “it is intriguing for all people and particularly Jewish people, especially secular Jews [who] show great interest in it,” Fr Kelly said. “We often have groups here on Shabbat," he added.
"I have taken all kinds of believers and non-believers through the Shroud Museum and never have I noticed anyone who felt it was less than [a] rewarding experience and time well spent,” he explained.
“As Pope John Paul put it, [. . .], it is truly a challenge for our intelligence”.
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