{"product_id":"exceptional-linen-reproduction-of-the-holy-shroud-of-turin-presented-to-pope-benedict-xvi-by-cardinal-marco-c-vatican-1","title":"Exceptional Linen Reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin, Presented to Pope Benedict XVI by Cardinal Marco Cé  Vatican, 11 March 2006","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional Linen Reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Presented to Pope Benedict XVI by Cardinal Marco Cé — Vatican, 11 March 2006\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn extraordinary object of papal and ecclesiastical history, accompanied by a solemn dedicatory document bearing the coat of arms and red wax seal of Cardinal Marco Cé, Patriarch Emeritus of Venice, commemorating the conclusion of the Lenten Spiritual Exercises conducted for Pope Benedict XVI and the Roman Curia in March 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 427 × 102.5 cm (approximately 168.1 × 40.4 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Linen with a photographic reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDate of Dedication:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11 March 2006\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssociated Historical Figures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pope Benedict XVI (1927–2022); Cardinal Marco Cé (1925–2014)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccompanying Document:\u003c\/strong\u003e Latin dedication bearing the cardinal's coat of arms and red wax ecclesiastical seal\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acquired directly from a retired Catholic bishop who personally attested to its presentation to Pope Benedict XVI. The bishop's identity remains confidential.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAn Extraordinary Witness to the Pontificate of Benedict XVI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOffered here is an exceptional full-length photographic reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin, executed upon an imposing linen textile and accompanied by a remarkable ecclesiastical dedication addressed to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe linen reproduces the celebrated image traditionally associated with the burial shroud of Jesus Christ: the frontal and dorsal impressions of the crucified body, the characteristic wounds of the Passion, and the distinctive markings familiar from the original Holy Shroud preserved in Turin.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMeasuring 427 centimetres in length, the textile presents the complete visual composition of the Shroud. Its edges are hemmed, and the fabric displays features consistent with previous suspension or exhibition, although the location and circumstances of such display remain unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA particularly evocative characteristic of the present textile is its strong, lingering fragrance of ecclesiastical incense. The rich and pronounced aroma remains readily perceptible, lending the linen an unusual sensory quality associated with the atmosphere of Catholic liturgical worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe precise circumstances in which the textile acquired this fragrance have not been established. Nevertheless, its persistence is a noteworthy aspect of the object's present condition and devotional character.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe exceptional historical interest of this Shroud lies in its association with a precisely documented event in the spiritual life of the Vatican: the conclusion of the Lenten Spiritual Exercises preached by Cardinal Marco Cé to Pope Benedict XVI and the Roman Curia in March 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCardinal Marco Cé and the Lenten Spiritual Exercises of 2006\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCardinal Marco Cé was a distinguished figure of the Italian Catholic hierarchy during the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in 1925, he served as Patriarch of Venice from 1978 until 2002 and was created cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1979.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn April 2005, Cardinal Cé participated in the conclave that elected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI. He was the oldest cardinal elector participating in that historic election.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLess than a year later, Cardinal Cé was entrusted with the significant spiritual responsibility of preaching the annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises to the newly elected Pontiff and members of the Roman Curia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe exercises took place in the Vatican from 5 to 11 March 2006, in the Redemptoris Mater Chapel of the Apostolic Palace.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn 11 March 2006, at their conclusion, Pope Benedict XVI personally expressed his gratitude to Cardinal Cé for his spiritual reflections and guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is this very occasion that is commemorated by the remarkable dedicatory document accompanying the present linen Shroud.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Cardinal's Solemn Dedication to Pope Benedict XVI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying document bears the heraldic insignia of Cardinal Marco Cé and his red wax ecclesiastical seal. The seal displays some cracking, consistent with the fragile nature of aged sealing wax, but remains substantially intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Latin dedication reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSanctissimo Domino Nostro Benedicto XVI, Summo Pontifici, a Marco Cardinale Cé, occasione feliciter conclusorum Exercitiorum Spiritualium Quadragesimalium nostrorum.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Holy Shroud of Turin: One of Christianity's Most Venerated Sacred Images\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe original Holy Shroud of Turin, preserved in the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, occupies an extraordinary place in the spiritual and devotional heritage of Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe linen bears the faint frontal and dorsal images of a man bearing the wounds of crucifixion.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor centuries, the Holy Shroud has inspired profound religious devotion, theological contemplation, sacred art, pilgrimage, and extensive historical and scientific study.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWithin Catholic spirituality, the image serves as a powerful invitation to contemplate the suffering, sacrifice, and redeeming love of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shroud acquired renewed worldwide prominence following the photographic work of Secondo Pia in 1898, when the remarkable visual properties of its image became evident in photographic negative.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSince that time, photographic reproductions have enabled the faithful throughout the world to contemplate the image of the Holy Shroud beyond its permanent home in Turin.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe present linen reproduction belongs to this important devotional tradition, while possessing an additional historical distinction through its association with a specific papal occasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA Gift of Profound Spiritual and Symbolic Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe presentation of an image of the Holy Shroud to Pope Benedict XVI upon the conclusion of the Lenten Spiritual Exercises carries profound religious symbolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLent is the sacred season during which the Church prepares for the commemoration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the crucified Saviour, preserved in the devotional tradition of the Holy Shroud, offers a particularly moving visual expression of the mysteries contemplated during this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor Pope Benedict XVI, whose theological writings explored the relationship between faith, suffering, divine love, and redemption, the symbolism of such a gift was especially appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIts association with Cardinal Marco Cé, who conducted the spiritual exercises of March 2006, adds a further personal, ecclesiastical, and historical dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe object thus represents more than a reproduction of a celebrated sacred image: it provides a tangible connection with a particular moment of spiritual reflection during the early pontificate of Benedict XVI.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePhysical Characteristics and State of Preservation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shroud is reproduced upon an extensive linen textile measuring 427 × 102.5 centimetres, with hemmed edges. The fabric exhibits evidence consistent with having been previously displayed or suspended, although no specific location of exhibition can be established.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIts most distinctive sensory characteristic is the powerful and persistent scent of incense, readily noticeable upon handling or unfolding the textile.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe fragrance is described here as an observable characteristic of the linen, without attributing it to a particular chapel, ceremony, or period of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying dedicatory document retains the cardinal's red wax seal, which shows minor cracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTogether, the imposing textile and its ecclesiastical dedication form an unusual historical ensemble.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Importance and Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe significance of this remarkable linen Shroud rests upon the convergence of several important elements:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIts imposing photographic reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin on linen, extending to 427 centimetres in length.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIts accompanying Latin dedication expressly addressed to Pope Benedict XVI.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe heraldic insignia and red wax seal of Cardinal Marco Cé.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe date of 11 March 2006, corresponding exactly to the documented conclusion of the Vatican's Lenten Spiritual Exercises.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIts pronounced and enduring fragrance of ecclesiastical incense.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe personal testimony of a retired Catholic bishop concerning its presentation to the Supreme Pontiff.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe object was acquired directly from the bishop, whose identity remains confidential. The complete chain of custody following the reported papal presentation has not been independently documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe textile is offered as a historically associated devotional object and papal presentation piece, not as a physical fragment of the original Holy Shroud of Turin or as a contact relic.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn extraordinary opportunity to acquire an imposing linen reproduction of the Holy Shroud of Turin, accompanied by a solemn cardinal's dedication to Pope Benedict XVI and associated with the conclusion of the Lenten Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican on 11 March 2006.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp style=\"color: red;\"\u003e------ Ask for authenticity documents in private messages at \u003ca href=\"mailto:info@saintsrelics.com\"\u003einfo@saintsrelics.com\u003c\/a\u003e ------\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Saints Relics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56802462925172,"sku":"21543","price":7500.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1040\/0330\/5844\/files\/exceptional-linen-reproduction-of-the-holy-shroud-of-turin-presented-to-pope-benedict-xvi-by-cardinal-marco-c--vatican-1-5b97.jpg?v=1794422996","url":"https:\/\/saintsrelics.com\/products\/exceptional-linen-reproduction-of-the-holy-shroud-of-turin-presented-to-pope-benedict-xvi-by-cardinal-marco-c-vatican-1","provider":"Saints Relics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}