Westminster College's Office of Faith and Spirituality to Host Shroud Encounter

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College's Office of Faith and Spirituality will host Shroud Encounter Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Wallace Memorial Chapel. Admission is free to the public.

Shroud Encounter is a production of Shroud of Turin Education Project, Inc. and will be presented by international expert Russ Breault. The presentation is a fast moving, big-screen experience using over 200 images covering all aspects of Shroud research.

Millions of people over the centuries have believed this artifact to be the actual burial shroud of Jesus.  The 14-foot long linen cloth bears the faint front and back image of a 5'10" bearded, crucified man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account as recorded in the bible.

However, while the Shroud of Turin is the most analyzed artifact in the world, it remains a mystery. A 1981 investigation concluded the image was not the work of an artist, due to the lack of visible traces of paint, pigment, dye or other artistic substances on the cloth. It does have traces of AB positive blood and human DNA; however there are no stains from decomposition. Carbon dating done on the shroud is inconclusive, but adding strength to its authenticity, scientists confirmed the presence of pollen from plants that only grow in Israel.

Breault's presentation will cover all aspects of the history, science, art and theories of how the image may have been formed. Breault has been featured in several national documentaries including "Mysteries of the Ancient World" on CBS and most recently "The Real Face of Jesus?" on the History Channel.

Contact Westminster's Office of Faith and Spirituality at (724) 946-7117 or visit www.westminster.edu/spiritlife for additional information.

Russ Breault will present Shroud Encounter Nov. 7.