 To Main Menu |
To Main Menu
Check here for important announcements and other Shroud of Turin Website news. This page will be updated whenever new page additions, articles and other resources are added. Each item carries a posting date indicating when it first went online. The most recent update appears at the top of the page and the most recent article is always first on the list. As you scroll through the page, you can review the items that were added this year in chronological order. You should find this an easy way to sample the evolving content of this website. Please note that any editorial opinions expressed on this site are solely those of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor and Publisher.
Go to the 2008 Website News page to review the items that were included on the "Late Breaking Website News" page last year. Also available for review are the archived Website News pages for 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Sad News In The Shroud Community
Unfortunately, I must start this update with some very sad news. In recent weeks we have lost a number of important researchers and individuals prominent in Shroud studies. In their memory, this update begins with memorials for Sue Benford, Vernon D. Miller, Don Augusto Bonelli, Karl Schulz and Dr. Harry E. Gove. As you can imagine, this is one of the more difficult and painful tasks I must perform as editor and publisher of this website, since I knew all of these individuals personally and most were my good friends. I extend my deepest personal sympathies to the families and friends of each of these individuals and hope they can find some solace in knowing that their loved ones made important contributions to our knowledge of the Shroud.
You will find there is still a lot of important new information in this update, beyond this very sad news, including the official announcement of the scheduled dates for the upcoming 2010 public exhibition of the Shroud. Also included in today's update is an important new article by Thibault Heimburger that provides a detailed analysis of Raes Sample #R7, the announcement of two new books by noted Shroud scholars Emanuela Marinelli and Mark Guscin, and a review of Mark's new book by Ian Wilson. You will also find comments by Shroud scholar Jack Markwardt on the recent news that the Shroud was in the possession of the Knights Templar for over a century and much, much more. I hope you find the new information useful.
Posted May 10, 2009
In Memoriam
Sue Benford
1957 - 2009I am deeply saddened to report the untimely passing of Sue Benford, on April 6, 2009, after a brief illness. Sue is well known to readers of this website and Shroud scholars around the world as the dedicated Shroud researcher who helped bring the data regarding the anomalous nature of the 1988 c-14 sample to light.
First and foremost, Sue was my good friend, so my bias will probably be obvious. When she first presented her data at the August 2000 Shroud Conference in Orvieto, Italy, I remember rushing to the stage as she and her husband, Joe Marino, stepped down after presenting their preliminary paper on the c-14 sample. I wanted to congratulate them for presenting what I felt was the first credible evidence that made sense of the 1988 c-14 dating results and provided a logical explanation for the medieval date. More importantly, I wanted to let her know that she had proved me wrong. I had often stated publicly that Shroud researchers should stay within their fields of expertise. Sue and Joe's work proved that intelligent people, rigorously following the scientific method, can truly do good science, even if there is no long string of initials after their names. And it didn't end there.
Several months later, when I published their paper on this website, I received a call from STURP chemist Ray Rogers, who chastized me for publishing work by non-scientists whom he termed members of the "lunatic fringe." I defended the paper to Ray by pointing out that Sue had approached independent textile experts who unanimously agreed there were indications of reweaving in the samples taken for c-14 dating. Rogers replied that he could "prove them wrong in five minutes." Several hours later, Rogers called me and told me, "they were right!" Not only did Rogers fail to prove Sue wrong, in the end, he proved she was right! Most importantly, this information sparked Rogers to reopen the issue and led him to produce his own final (and arguably most important) peer reviewed paper on the Shroud.
In July 2008, Sue's final paper on the subject appeared in the internationally recognized scientific journal, Chemistry Today. In December 2008, she was featured in a Discovery Channel documentary that told the story of how she, Joe and Ray Rogers helped to open the door to a new line of thinking regarding the c14 dating. In a fitting tribute, when the program premiered in England on Easter Sunday of this year, the Discovery Channel added a graphic at the end of the program, dedicating it to Sue's memory. Without doubt, Sue's work almost single-handedly spurred a whole new direction in addressing and evaluating the 1988 dating. Her contributions are now forever a part of the scientific legacy of the Shroud of Turin.
I am including here the formal obituary sent to me by Joe Marino on April 8, 2009:
Sue Benford, age 51, a resident of Dublin, Ohio, died Monday April 6, 2009 at Zusman Community Hospice. She was a 1975 graduate of Worthington High School, 1979 graduate of University of Tennessee and 1982 graduate of The Ohio State University. She was formerly a registered nurse at Children's Hospital in Oncology Pediatrics and was a World Champion Power Lifter. Sue was a loving wife, mother and daughter, survived by her husband, Joe Marino; daughters, Erika Benford and Alexis Benford; parents, Marion and Dorothy Strezze; cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by a brother Steve Strezze. Family will receive friends Thursday 2-4 p.m. at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St. (1/2 mile south of I-270), where a service will follow at 4 p.m. with Rev. Karen Muntzing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made to www.schoedinger.com.
Here are some comments by Shroud researchers regarding Sue's passing:
In Memory of Sue Benford
Sue Benford will be remembered as one of the many-unsung hero's of Shroud research. She was a tireless researcher along with her husband Joe Marino. Sue was always willing to push the envelope regarding ideas of how the Shroud image was formed or why the carbon date was so skewed. With numerous books and articles to her credit, she deserves her place in the Shroud Hall of Fame.
I can remember very clearly sitting in the audience at the conference in Orvieto, Italy in August of 2000. It was there that Sue and Joe presented a paper questioning the validity of the C-14 dating sample based on obvious weave anomalies and suggested it was repaired using a process called "invisible mending." It was the most significant paper of the conference. I remember telling Sue, "You are my hero!" (I told that to Joe too.) Later their work would be validated by chemist Ray Rogers and published in a peer-reviewed journal forever changing the debate on the Shroud's authenticity.
For those who were there, we remember Sue and Joe presenting even more solid research on the use of invisible mending during the Late Middle Ages at the conference in Dallas in 2005. Because of so much political nonsense versus those attending from Turin, their paper was delivered in the evening following the scheduled conference speakers. Undaunted, they pressed on to present their findings for those who knew the significance of their work.
Her tireless efforts, along with Joe's, to pull together the 2008 conference at the Ohio State University in August of 2008 will become another watershed moment in Shroud history celebrating 30 years since the STURP group conducted their initial research. With the help of Bob Villareal and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, more research was unveiled at the conference further demonstrating the anomalous nature of the C-14 sample area.
In a private correspondence with Joe after Sue's passing, I told him "Her contribution to Sindonology will impact the faith of thousands with great eternal reward." I mean every word of it. As a Christian, I don't need the Shroud for my faith. However I am well aware of the millions of Doubting Thomas' in the world looking for that one piece of evidence. Thanks to the work of Sue Benford and Joe Marino, the darkness of doubt that crept over the Shroud in 1988 is receding allowing the light of truth to be seen once again. As Father Peter Rinaldi used to say, people can once again come "through the linen to the Lord."
Be at peace, Sue. I look forward to our friendship and fellowship in God's eternal Kingdom. It is the promise of Christianity and the message of the Shroud.
Russ Breault
Sue Benford
We first met Sue Benford at the International Shroud Conference which was held in Orvieto, Italy. During the course of a very pleasant dinner, we found her to be a person of the highest intelligence and deepest insight. She was later kind enough to provide us with a copy of her inspirational book, "Strong Woman," in which she describes, with a degree of candor and honesty that is indeed rare, the many challenges which she had faced during her life, noting that "in each case, I grew in one way or another and, by accepting that these interventions were the positive influence of God, I benefited from the situation and obtained a new level of spiritual growth. Without the adversity, or the forces of the World, the strength would never have materialized--the strength to expand my soul and know God's unconditional love."
To her many friends, admirers, and colleagues, still shocked and devastated by her untimely passing, Sue has bequeathed this comforting passage regarding her meditations on the Lord with whom she now walks in peace: "Christ himself is the final "soul mate" we encounter on our journey. No matter which spiritual path of moral "goodness" and love we have taken up until this point, in order to take the final transformational step, we ultimately must unite in marriage with Christ." It is still much too early to fully assess Sue's recent and important contributions to sindonology; however, it is clear that her native talents and basic instincts, inspired as they were by her sincere faith, may well, in the long run, prove far more valuable than much of the academic and scientific training which has been directed to the issue of determining the validity of the 1988 radiocarbon dating sample. As she believed and allowed herself to be, she was truly an instrument through which God chose to communicate. We send to Joe Marino, blessed all too briefly in this life with her love and wisdom, our deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Jack and Joann Markwardt
Sue Benford
I personally met Sue Benford for the first time during the Columbus Conference held in August 2008. I can attest that she had a very rigorous scientific approach to the Shroud. She was also one of the most nice and smiling woman I ever met. Her death is really a tragedy not only for her family but also for the research about the Shroud, particularly the C14 dating problem. Personally, I will never forget her kindness and trust.
Thibault Heimburger
Sue's Memorial
From the Turin Shroud point of view, Sue ended her terrestrial life in a great way, with the help of her husband Joe: in her last year she wrote scientific publications showing that the Shroud is authentic, she organized a large congress at Ohio State University and she participated in the making of a television documentary showing that the 1988 radiocarbon dating was wrong!
Jesus Christ will take into account all this work in favor of His Shroud; the fact that He has taken Sue during Holy Week is a good sign.
God bless.
Giulio Fanti Posted May 10, 2009
In Memoriam
Vernon D. Miller I am deeply saddened to report the passing of Vernon D. Miller, Chief Scientific Photographer for the 1978 STURP team, on Friday, April 10, 2009, in Santa Barbara, California.
I first met Vern in 1970, when I was a student at Brooks Institute and he was hired to head the Scientific and Industrial Department at the school. In fact, I was in the first class that he taught at Brooks and liked and respected him immediately. We remained friends after I graduated and opened my photographic studio in Santa Barbara. Years later, when I first became involved with the STURP team, I immediately suggested that we get Vern on the team to head up the scientific photography that would be needed, as he was a true expert in the field. Of course, he joined the team and was ultimately responsible for producing most of the scientific photography of the Shroud that exists to this day.
Although apparently Vern asked that there be no memorials or other acknowledgements of his passing, his work was far too important and significant to just say nothing. I am including this information about Vern out of the deepest respect for my friend and his family, and to acknowledge his truly important and historic contributions to the study of the Shroud.
I received the following e-mail from Scott Miles, Brooks Institute of Photography, on April 13, 2009, informing me of Vern's death:
I'm sad to say that Vern Miller passed away last Friday morning, April 10. Mike Verbois called me over the weekend to share the news.
For those who do not know, Vern Miller was the head of the Industrial / Scientific Photography Department of Brooks Institute of Photography for many years during the 1970's and 80's. Many of the current instructors had Vern as a teacher and will remember him fondly. He was a very bright and engaging teacher, and an expert photographer. In the 1970's Vern Miller, Barrie Schwortz and others from Brooks Institute were chosen as the photographic investigation team for the Shroud of Turin project. Vern was a highly accomplished photographer and respected educator.
Vern passed away after a period of unspecified illness. He requested no memorial services or other acknowledgements. He will be buried in Idaho with his parents.
Please share this information with the alumni and other members of our community.
Scott Miles
Professional Photography Program Director
Brooks Institute
In memory of the passing of Vern Miller, I would like to share some reflections regarding his contributions to the Shroud.
In 1978, during the STURP examination of the Shroud from October 8-13, Vern served as the head of the team that collected scientific photographs of the Shroud. As head of scientific and technical photography at Brook’s Institute in Santa Barbara, California, Vern and his team provided high-quality scientific photographs for various Shroud studies that were conducted by many persons, including those associated with our own Shroud research group. Vern was also quite active, during the three years following the 1978 examination of the Shroud, in the various meetings of STURP that were held in order to analyze the scientific data that had been acquired, not the least of which included his scientific photographic data. I would go so far as to say without hesitation that the advances in modern scientific research on the Shroud that have occurred since 1978 would have been not possible without the availability of the scientific photographs that Vern took during those five days in 1978 In Turin. Of considerable importance are the multi-spectral imagery, the raking light imagery, and the ultraviolet fluorescence photographs of the Shroud, as well as a three- part, full-sized color photograph of the entire Shroud that easily shows the intricate thread weave in great detail. Vern was well known for making his photographs available for Shroud researchers.
A little-known activity of Vern involved his being part of another scientific team that I formed in 1986 to investigate the famous Zeitoun apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Coptic Egypt, which were subsequently discussed in Rebecca's and my 1996 book on the subject, “A Lady of Light Appears in Egypt.” His photographic support during that adventure was crucial to our scientific analyses. I still recall Vern and I going outside in 1986 for an early morning jog together down the streets of Cairo.
For me, Vern's passing is a personal loss. I am certain that his many contributions to Shroud research will be remembered and used for a long time to come.
John Jackson
Co-Founder
Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP)Posted May 10, 2009
In Memoriam
Don Augusto Bonelli
1925 - 2009I am deeply saddened to report the passing of Don Augusto Bonelli, Parish Priest and Rector of the Sanctuary of the Shroud in San Felice Circeo, Italy, at his home in Terracina on March 25, 2009.
Although not as well known as others might be in the world of the Shroud, Don Augusto Bonelli was an amazing man and a devoted promoter of the Shroud throughout Italy. In addition to the beautiful church and sanctuary dedicated to the Shroud that he created in San Felice Circeo, he was also responsible for organizing two Shroud conferences (the first in May 2000 in Circeo and the second in May 2006 in Terracina and Perugia), which I had the great pleasure to attend at his invitation. (See www.shroud.com/circeo.htm).
Don Augusto was a jovial and loving man and a powerhouse of energy. Although his English was about as bad as my Italian, we managed to communicate beautifully and became very good friends. In May 2006, Don Augusto invited Fr. Kim Dreisbach and me to speak in Terracina and Perugia to several student groups. He recognized the importance of encouraging younger people to become familiar with the Shroud and dedicated this conference to that purpose.
Sadly, Fr. Dreisbach passed away while he was traveling to meet us. Just three hours after getting that sad news, Don Augusto held a special Mass in Fr. Dreisbach's memory at the beautiful church in Terracina. On that same trip, I stayed as a guest in his family home and got to know his sisters and others in his family. I was embraced as a family member myself and have the fondest memories of that beautiful time. Don Augusto insisted that we carry on with the plans he had made for us and personally took me to see Monte Casino, the Priscilla catacombs in Rome, Pompei and even Pope Benedict in St. Peter's Square! Frankly, although he was considerably older than me in years, I could barely keep up with him as we walked the cobbled streets of Pompei! "Amazing" is barely adequate to describe Don Augusto Bonelli and he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
This is the e-mail I received from Emanuela Marinelli advising me of Don Augusto's passing:
Today I discovered that more than one month ago our dear friend, Fr. Augusto Bonelli, died. See: http://www.parvapolis.it/page.php?id=44296 (In Italian). Nobody from Circeo advised me of his illness and death. We can only say a prayer and remember the good days in Circeo.
Emanuela Marinelli Posted May 10, 2009
In Memoriam
Karl Schulz
1939 - 2009I am deeply saddened to report the passing of Karl Schulz, noted Canadian Shroud scholar, on Good Friday, April 10, 2009, in Montreal, Canada.. Although his name is not familiar to everyone, Karl was a well known and respected sindonologist and promoter of the Shroud throughout Canada. I first met him by telephone when I worked with the Holy Face Association in Montreal to create a series of Shroud posters. We continued our friendship by telephone until several years later, when I was fortunate to finally meet him in person at a conference held in Vancouver, B.C., sponsored by the Vancouver Shroud Association. As a professional photographic negative retoucher, he had a great understanding of the Shroud's image properties, so I always enjoyed our enthusiastic "technical" conversations. I truly value the time we spent together, both in person and on the telephone. He surely will be missed by all those who knew him.
Here are some comments on Karl's passing by some of his friends who knew and loved him:
A Tribute to Karl Schulz
Karl was born on May 14, 1939 near Dresden, Germany, and survived the infamous firebombing of that city when he was about five years of age. He learned art design and painting as a young man, and became a commercial artist and color photographer. He also learned the art of negative retouching, which later gave him an unusual insight into the mysterious image on the Shroud of Turin. He first worked on black-and-white negatives, and then learned to do negative-retouching of color photographs, which involved understanding the four-color process "in reverse." He had an enthusiasm for all forms of visual art and for music, sharing these with friends. Karl moved to Canada in 1962, and made his home in St. Lambert, a suburb of Montreal.
Karl’s intense interest in the Shroud began with a dream in which he reported seeing, in his words, "a figure entirely out of light which told me [Karl] that he was the resurrection." Karl was unaware of the existence of the Shroud of Turin, and was startled to see an article on the Shroud in a bulletin the next day, in which the picture featured the figure he had seen in his dream. Karl felt that his life needed to include the Shroud in a significant way. Although he never saw the original Turin Shroud itself, he helped create a replica Shroud Exhibit for the Holy Face Association in Canada, which was mounted in various cities including Montreal and Toronto. On a trip to Vancouver in 2002 he met with individuals who would create the Vancouver Shroud Association, and was an enthusiast of their efforts to inform the public about the Shroud with their own Exhibit. Karl 's desire was that all the world should come to know the real Man of the Shroud.
Karl experienced difficulties with his heart and eyesight in the last years of his life, but the stroke that took his life on April 10, 2009 was unexpected. He had just finished the Good Friday walk with Anglican friends in his community, and passed away in hospital a few hours later. He is survived by his son Peter, and will be remembered for his contagious enthusiasm, his loyalty to his friends, his generosity with his time, and his devotion to The Man of the Shroud. His funeral took place on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in St. Lambert, Quebec.
With fond memories,
Phillip H. Wiebe, Vancouver Shroud Association (VSA)
Thaddeus J. Trenn, a friend of the VSA
In Memory of Karl Schulz
In spite of many sufferings and challenges, it was through Karl's enthusiastic persistence in making everyone aware of the Shroud of Turin that many of us have now joined his efforts. He had a burning desire to share his joy in re-discovering the Truth of what was endured for the sake of our redemption, and we are so grateful to him because it is evident that his efforts have resulted in a new tide of genuine thirst for all of the facts that history, science and tradition can deliver. I pray for the repose of his soul and trust that he is at peace now in the eternal presence of our beloved Man of the Shroud.
I am so grateful for this opportunity which enables visitors to this website to catch a wee glimpse of this courageous man who was quite willing to risk everything in order to remain faithful to his special and timely calling.
Best wishes,
Carolyn Wharton Posted May 10, 2009
In Memoriam
Dr. Harry E. Gove
1922 - 2009I am also saddened to report the passing of Dr. Harry E. Gove, noted nuclear physicist credited with developing the AMS radiocarbon dating method used in 1988 to test samples from the Shroud of Turin, on February 18, 2009. Dr. Gove authored a book titled, Relic, Icon or Hoax? in 1996 in which he documented his experiences in dating the Shroud. The following article (and the above photograph) are courtesy of the Department of Physics, University of Toronto website and the Globe and Mail.
19-Mar-2009
In Memoriam: Harry GoveIt is with great sadness that the family of Harry Edmund Gove announce his passing peacefully on February 18, 2009 in his 86th year. Harry was born May 22, 1922 in Niagara Falls to Harry G. Gove and Lucia E. Gove (nee Olmstead or Olmsted!). He earned his PhD in Nuclear Physics from MIT in 1950 and ser ved as Branch Head of Nuclear Physics at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd in Chalk River, Ontario for seven years. In 1963, he was appointed Professor of Physics at the University of Rochester, New York and served as Director of the Nuclear Structure Research Laboratory until 1988. He became Professor Emeritus of Physics at the University of Rochester in 1992 and Adjunct Professor of Physics at the University of Toronto in 1997.
Prof. Gove's research interests were in the general field of Experimental Nuclear Physics. Since 1977 his work focused on accelerator mass spectrometry. This is a technique that employs tandem electrostatic accelerators to measure ratios of long lived radioisotopes to the stable isotope of elements at extremely low values (10-15 or less). It can be used, for example, to carbon date organic artifacts as old as 60,000 years or more using milligram samples. It has many other multidisciplinary applications. It has been employed to measure the age of the Turin Shroud, the neutron fluence from the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima, the age of the Meteor Crater in Arizona, the age of the initial peopling of North America and many more applications. Prior to 1977 Prof. Gove was involved in experimental nuclear physics research also using large electrostatic accelerators.
Harry's contribution to science was to advance the use of accelerator mass spectrometry in the area of carbon dating. His first book, Relic, Icon or Hoax, chronicles the challenges he and his colleagues faced in dating the Shroud of Turin. His second book, From Hiroshima to the Iceman, tells the story of how carbon dating precious artifacts helped to solve some of the mysteries of our age. He is the author or coauthor of some 235 papers of experimental nuclear physics and accelerator mass spectrometry.
Harry was a lover of opera and classical music and was most displeased when CBC Radio One changed its format. He loved to travel and to garden nurturing beautiful roses and impatiens. He also tried his hand in bee keeping which yielded gallons of delicious honey. Cremation has taken place followed by a private service. A celebration of Harry's life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 3 pm at St. Judes Anglican Church in Oakville, Ontario with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. He will be missed by many friends and colleagues around the world.
Most people well versed in Shroud studies will note that Dr. Gove was rather controversial in his own right. Although he helped pioneer the technology that was used to radiocarbon date the Shroud in 1988, he was never very sympathetic to STURP and played a role in eliminating them from participation in the dating. I am thankful to my friend Russell Breault, publisher and editor of the excellent www.shrouduniversity.com website for writing the following memorial that provides some perspective on Dr. Gove's contribution to the study of the Shroud.
In Memory of Harry Gove
Harry Gove was no fan of the Shroud. However, as the inventor of the AMS method for Carbon Dating, his book, "Relic, Icon or Hoax," published in 1996, offers some important revelations regarding the back room deals that went down when the agreed protocol of seven laboratories was reduced to only three. All the laboratories involved protested this decision with Harry Gove being the most vocal since his lab in Rochester was one of the ones eliminated.
In his book on page 219, he recounts writing a letter to the Pope protesting the change of protocol. The following is an excerpt:
"In a letter dated 10 October 1987 to all the workshop (C-14 labs) participants, Cardinal Ballestrero has ordered substantial modifications of the original protocol. In particular, the number of laboratories is reduced, without any explanation, to three."
"It is our collective impression that Cardinal Ballestrero has received very unwise scientific advice…The procedure that the Cardinal of Turin is suggesting is bound to produce a result that will be questioned in strictly scientific terms by many scientists around the world who will be very skeptical of the arbitrarily small statistical basis when it is well known that a better procedure was recommended…Rather than following an ill advised procedure that will not generate a reliable date but will rather give rise to world controversy, we suggest that it would be better not to date the Shroud at all."
In another letter documented in his book on page 242, he wrote to Sir David Wilson of the British Museum dated January 27, 1988. He recounts the letter, "I was astonished that Wilson would permit the British Museum to risk having its reputation called into question in what has become a somewhat shoddy enterprise."
Although Harry Gove's contribution to the Shroud is rather negative, his book at least cast the appropriate skepticism on what indeed became a "shoddy enterprise."
Russell Breault Posted May 10, 2009
Dates For The 2010 Shroud Exhibition Officially Announced
According to the Archdiocese of Turin website, www.sindone.org, and a Catholic News Service (CNS) article dated 28 April 2009, the official dates for the 2010 Shroud Exhibition will be 10 April 2010 to 23 May 2010. As was done for the 1998 and 2000 exhibitions, reservations and tickets will be required, although there is no charge for admission. Once again, the reservations will be made online via the Archdiocese of Turin website, although this reservation system is not yet available. I will notify my subscribers and update the website as soon as the reservation system is in place and available to the public.
As I did for the previous exhibitions in 1998 and 2000, I will be including a list of professional tour companies that intend to offer pilgrimage tours to see the Shroud and will include links to their websites in a future update. I will be working with one of these companies myself and will be in Turin for several weeks to meet with each group and see the Shroud with them. I will provide the details as soon as they are finalized.
Posted May 10, 2009
Important New Article Provides Detailed Analysis of Raes Sample #R7
I am very pleased to publish in today's update the newest article from Thibault Heimburger titled, Cotton In Raes/Radiocarbon Threads: The Example of Raes #7. This latest article from Thibault, dedicated to the memory of Sue Benford, is based on his careful analysis of the Raes #7 sample which was provided to him at last year's Ohio Shroud Conference. His results add further confirmation to the observations and conclusions made by Benford & Marino, Ray Rogers, John Brown, Robert Villarreal and others. As it includes many color photomicrographs, it is broken into three parts to keep the individual files sizes (and consequently, download times) to a minimum. You will find a link at the end of each part of the article that allows you to continue to the next part. Of course, links to the article have also been added to the Scientific Papers & Articles page (where the articles are listed alphabetically by title) and the Website Library page of the site (where the articles are listed alphabetically by author).
Thibault asked me to include the following information (in French and English) in my introduction to this article:
Ce document sera disponible en juin 2009 sur le site de l'auteur (www.suaire-science.com) en Français à l'occasion d'une mise à jour complète de ce site. This document will be available in the French language on the author's web site in June 2009, included as a major update to the site.
Posted May 10, 2009
New Books By Noted Shroud Researchers
I am pleased to announce that the Shroud Booklist page has been updated to include the new books of two noted Shroud scholars. The first is La Sindone - Analisi di un mistero (in Italian) by Emanuela Marinelli. The second is The Image of Edessa by Mark Guscin. I also wish to extend a special word of thanks to Ian Wilson for providing us with an exclusive, in-depth Review of Mark Guscin's book which is also included in this update. Regular viewers will recognize all of these names as prolific contributors to our knowledge of the Shroud.
Posted May 10, 2009
August 2008 Ohio Shroud Conference Papers Now Online
I am pleased to report that most of the papers presented at the August 2008 Ohio Shroud Conference are now available in their entirety on the Ohio Shroud Conference website at this link: http://www.ohioshroudconference.com/papers.htm. My special thanks to Dan Porter for managing all this material and getting it all online. I have also updated the Ohio Shroud Conference page of this website to include the links to the papers and the abstracts, links to mp3 audio files where available, links to several videos and much more. This is an excellent opportunity for those who could not attend the conference to read the actual papers presented.
Posted May 10, 2009
The Shroud And The Knights Templar
The Shroud was in the news again recently because of a rather dramatic announcement from the Vatican that new evidence has come to light showing the Shroud was hidden and secretly venerated by the Knights Templar for more than 100 years after the Crusades. The article was based on the work of Barbara Frale, a researcher in the Vatican Secret Archives, who wrote in L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper, that the Shroud's fate in those missing years had always puzzled historians. If Frale is correct about these missing years in the Shroud's history, it would further corroborate the theories of Ian Wilson, noted Shroud author and historian, who has written extensively on the subject. For all the details, see the story as carried by the Times of London in an article by Richard Owen, which can be found at this link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6040521.ece. Editor's Note: There were many other online media sources and websites that carried this information, so do a search if you want additional information.
Needless to say, this news prompted an avalanche of e-mail from website readers asking me how credible this information might be. Sadly, history has never been my strongest suit and I learned long ago to defer such questions to the real experts, so I asked for comments on the subject from several well known Shroud historians. The first to respond was Jack Markwardt, author of a number of historical articles on the Shroud (and all of them available on the Website Library page of this site). Jack provided me with the following response titled, "Assessing Reports of a Templar Initiation Ritual." I hope to publish additional comments by other Shroud scholars in a future update.
Posted May 10, 2009
Upcoming Shroud Lectures In Toronto, Canada With Aldo Guerreschi
I am pleased to announce that my dear friend Aldo Guerreschi, noted Shroud scholar, photographic expert and official photographer for the Royal House of Savoy, will be speaking on the Shroud in Toronto, Canada, on May 16, 2009 at the University of Toronto's Convocation Hall. Aldo will share his knowledge of the Shroud and display an original lifesize Shroud photograph by Giuseppe Enrie. He will be joined by French Shroud scholar, Chantal Garde of Paris, who will give a presentation of the Passion of Jesus as revealed by the Shroud. Also being exhibited for this special event are the high quality museum boards of the Shroud from the Vancouver Shroud Association's Man of the Shroud Exhibit, as well as the Fraternity of the Holy Face in France.
Included here is a link to the complete story on the Canadian Newswire. My thanks to noted Shroud author, Joanna Emery, for passing this information along to me. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/04/c7830.html
Posted May 10, 2009
Upcoming Shroud Lecture in Oswiecim, Poland
I am very honored to announce that I will be giving a Shroud lecture on May 15, 2009 titled "30 Years of Shroud Science: A Personal Perspective," at the Center for Dialogue and Prayer in Oswiecim (Auschwitz), Poland. The center is across the road from the Auschwitz concentration camp. I am grateful to General John Roth, member of the Board of Governors of Legatus USA and Ashia and Leszek Palus of the Legatus Poland organization for their kind invitation. I am also told that a mass will be celebrated after my lecture by Cardinal Dziwisz, the Cardinal of Krakow and Pope John Paul's right hand for 40 years.
This will be a particularly moving lecture for me, as both my parents were born in Poland and several of my relatives perished at Auschwitz. However, the most exciting part of the trip will be my opportunity to visit Wicznice, the village near the Belarus border in which my mother and her family were born. The Shroud continues to take me on an amazing journey!
Posted May 10, 2009
Shroud Films Now Available As Downloads
I recently heard from David Rolfe, producer of 1978's award winning feature film, "The Silent Witness" (the first Shroud documentary) and the 2008 BBC documentary,"Shroud of Turin." David has kindly made both programs available as very economical downloads at his Performance Films website. This is a great way to see the 2008 program, which has yet to air here in the U.S., and acquire your own copy of the classic 1978 film that paved the way for all those that followed.
Posted May 10, 2009
Laboratory Dedicated To Professor Luigi Gonella
My apologies for being so late in publishing this news item. I had intended to include it in an earlier update but was sadly unable to do so. On May 15, 2008, at the Politecnico de Torino in Mondovi, Italy, the laboratory La.Fi.Te.M. was dedicated to the memory of Professor Luigi Gonella. Professor Gonella was officially designated as scientific advisor to Cardinal Anastasio Ballestrero, Archbishop of Turin, and coordinated the scientific teams that worked on the Shroud from 1978 to 1998. This includes the work of the 1978 STURP team and the controversial radiocarbon dating in 1988, two very significant scientific milestones in the Shroud's history. One can get more information and view a video of the dedication on the website of Paolo Tealdi at http://www.tealdi.eu
Posted May 10, 2009
Shroud Exhibit Opens in England
Shroud Exhibit at the Metropolitan Cathedral & Bascilica of St. Chad
In Birmingham, England © 2009 Brett BirksI would like to end this update on a more positive note. Sometime last year, I was contacted by Pamela Moon, wife of Reverend Phil Moon, Vicar of St. Peter's Anglican Church in Little Aston, U.K. Pam explained that she wanted to produce a Shroud exhibit for her husband's church (where she is a lay minister) and wanted to obtain lifesize photographs and a lifesize replica for their exhibit. I was somewhat surprised, since such exhibits are typically produced by Catholic churches. In fact, this is the first Anglican church I had ever worked with in such a manner.
Over the next few months, as we produced the images for the exhibit, Pam began writing the copy for what would eventually become a beautifully written and printed, lavishly illustrated booklet, "The Cross, the Resurrection and the Shroud of Turin," which would be made available to visitors at the exhibit to introduce them to the Shroud. Early this year the exhibit opened to great success in their modest Anglican church and they were immediately invited by Catholic Archbishop Vincent Nichols to bring the exhibit to the larger Metropolitan Cathedral & Bascilica of St. Chad, in Birmingham. The exhibit opened on 21 February 2009 and closed on 28 February 2009 and once again, was a great success. Here is a link to a story in the Independent Catholic News with details about the Birmingham exhibit.
The story doesn't end there. On April 14, just after Easter, the exhibit reopened at the even larger Coventry Cathedral and enjoyed large numbers of visitors until it closed on 5 May 2009. Click on this link to read an article that appeared in the Coventry Telegraph with the details. Frankly, I was very pleased (and even somewhat amazed) that in this instance, Anglicans and Catholics were being brought together by the Shroud of Turin! Congratulations and a job well done to Pam and Reverend Phil Moon.
Posted May 10, 2009
And Finally...
I hope to produce the next update in late July (or sooner, if the 2010 Shroud Exhibition reservation system goes online). There are still a number of backlogged items that I was unable to get into this update that need to included. If your material falls into that category, my apologies. I will do my best to include it in the next update.
Of course, Subscribers to the Shroud of Turin Website Mailing List get any breaking news and information first, by e-mail, before I post it to the website. In addition, subscribers receive exclusive opportunities not available to the general public. These include access to papers and articles in advance of their publication, discounts on Shroud books and other materials and much more. To join, go to the Send Us E-mail page, enter your e-mail address in the box provided and hit "Go!" Follow the instructions and you will be added to the list in less than a minute.
See you in July!
Posted May 10, 2009
Shroud.com Celebrates 13th Anniversary
I usually wait until the last minute to write the introduction to this annual anniversary update, and this year is no exception. It is late on the afternoon of January 20, 2009 as I start to write this. I first must state that I am truly amazed that thirteen years have now gone by since I naively put this website online in January 1996. I say naively, because at that moment I had no idea that the internet would explode into the global force it has now become, carrying me with it, for better or for worse. I would like to say I was a visionary back then, but I was not (or I would have purchased lots of Microsoft stock)! I just felt the need to truthfully share the wealth of information I was privileged to have access to and that had finally convinced me (after only 17 years) that the Shroud was authentic. Of course, it has been humbling and satisfying to see the number of viewers increase so dramatically over the years, but it was also somewhat frightening to realize that so many people out there were "watching." Trust that the hardest job of my life is being the editor and publisher of this website, since it brings with it the awesome responsibility to remain fair, unbiased and honest about this controversial relic, no matter which way the cards fall.
Of course, the true success of this website is founded on the work of the many scientists, researchers, scholars and theologians who have graciously allowed me to reprint or publish their work here, so I extend to each of you my deepest thanks and gratitude for your continued participation. The site would have little value to the viewer if it were not for your involvement. And of course, my deepest thanks and appreciation goes to you, the majority of viewers who are not necessarily scholars, but who tenaciously dig through the ever-growing content of the site to learn what we truly know about this amazing relic.
At this beginning of a new year, it seems quite appropriate to reflect on the past year, at least from the perspective of the Shroud, and 2008 was not a bad year at all for the Shroud of Turin. There were several new peer-reviewed papers published that moved our scientific knowledge forward and several new books were published, including the posthumous work of Ray Rogers. Then there was the dramatic and startling announcement on June 2, 2008 by the Pope that a new public exhibition of the Shroud would occur in 2010, instead of the originally announced 2025. Add to that the latest analysis of Shroud samples by Los Alamos National Laboratory, the August Shroud Conference in Columbus, Ohio (one of the best Shroud conferences held in many years), and the airing of a new television documentary that told an honest, compelling and accurate story of Shroud research and 2008 stands out as a very positive year for Shroud studies indeed. I am very proud that this website has played a small part in all this, and hope to continue to meet or exceed the quality standards we have set in the past. To that end, here are some notes about this latest update.
I always try and make the anniversary update a really substantial one, and once again, this year is no exception. This update includes a 19 page Addendum to the original article by Joseph Marino and Edwin Prior that I published in November of last year. In it, Joe and Ed provide significant additional evidence to support the theory that the c14 dating sample was anomalous. Also included are two formal reviews of the recent Discovery Channel documentary, along with a number of viewer comments about the program. The update also includes the latest issue of the BSTS Newsletter (Issue #68 - December 2008) and the addition of two new scholars to the Shroud Speakers Directory. There are also links to several new online Shroud videos from the Ohio Conference and a new French language Shroud book. I am particularly pleased to publish my latest correspondence with the Archbishop of Baghdad, along with some photographs of a recent presentation he made in Iraq on the "Face of Edessa." Sadly, the update also includes two memorials to Sindonologists who passed away recently, one of the more difficult tasks I must perform in maintaining this website.
Considering the historical significance of this day, when people all around the world watched America set aside politics and divisiveness and work together to inaugurate a new era of hope and cooperation along with a new president, perhaps the Shroud world can take a lesson from this example. And that would certainly be consistent with the teachings of the man whose image appears on that cloth.
Barrie Schwortz
Editor and PublisherPosted January 21, 2009
Important New Article Added to Scientific Papers & Articles Page
I am very pleased to include another important new article in this update. On November 26, 2008, I published an article titled "Chronological History of the Evidence for the Anomalous Nature of the C-14 Sample Area of the Shroud of Turin," by Joseph G. Marino and Edwin J. Prior. In the ensuing months, the authors found considerable additional information to further document the evidence supporting this theory and have compiled it into an Addendum to their original article. You can find the new article at this link: "ADDENDUM to Chronological History of the Evidence for the Anomalous Nature of the C-14 Sample Area of the Shroud of Turin." I have also included a link to the Addendum at the end of the original article and of course, from the Scientific Papers & Articles page and the Website Library.
Posted January 21, 2009
Reviews of the Recent Discovery Channel Documentary
Whenever I watch any Shroud television documentary, I tend to hold my breath and hope for the best. I say this based on years of disappointing experiences as both an observer and a direct participant in many of these programs and as one who often ends up having to write a review for this website. Obviously, this is even more difficult when I happen to appear in the program itself, and such was the case with the recent program, Unwrapping the Shroud: New Evidence, that debuted on December 14, 2008 on the Discovery Channel (here in the U.S.). Consequently, I have asked several impartial experts to write reviews of the program, rather than do so myself. You will find these linked below. I have also decided to include a few of the nearly 600 viewer comments I received by e-mail after the program aired! The program is scheduled to air in the United Kingdom and Europe on Channel 4 in the near future, but no dates have yet been announced.
However, even though I am not writing a review myself, I still feel the need to point out two things about the program that I believe distinguish it from most of the rest. Most importantly, it was the first documentary ever to state very simply and clearly that the STURP data proved the Shroud was NOT a painting (which it did). In fact, the producers stated this several times and didn't waste valuable airtime debating an issue that should have been dead years ago. The other thing about the program I want to share with you happened completely behind the scenes. When the program first aired on Sunday, December 14, 2008, I noted a few significant errors and promptly called the producer as soon as the program ended. She noted the errors and said she would see what could be done. Frankly, in my more than 30 years in video and television production, I have never heard of a production company recalling and changing a program once it had been delivered to the network and aired.
You might remember that the program was originally scheduled to be rebroadcast the following Saturday, December 20, 2008, but that it disappeared from the Discovery Channel website without any explanation, only to resurface in the schedule on Monday, December 22, 2008 instead. The reason for this schedule change was to give the production company the time necessary to make the corrections! That means that all future versions, including the DVD, will be error free. Truthfully, this demonstrates the integrity of the producer, director and production company and their desire to get it right and I felt I needed to say that publicly. My personal thanks to director Michael Epstein and producer Jen Berkowitz and to Darlow-Smithson Productions for truly getting it right.
The FIRST REVIEW of the program is provided by Raymond Schneider, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science at Bridgewater College in Virginia and a member of the Shroud Science Internet Group. Here is the link to his review: Unwrapping the Shroud: New Evidence - A Review by Ray Schneider, Ph.D.
The SECOND REVIEW is provided by Edwin Prior, retired NASA scientist and co-author of the recent summary article with Joseph Marino published November 26, 2008 on this website (and updated with a new Addendum in today's update). Here is the link to his review: Unwrapping the Shroud: New Evidence - A Review by Edwin J. Prior
In this section I am including some excerpts from just a few of the nearly six hundred comments I received by e-mail after the program aired in December (the most I have ever received after any Shroud documentary). I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who took the time to write and share your thoughts with me. It is truly appreciated.
I just viewed the Shroud on Discovery! WOW! It was wonderful... I was very pleased. - Beverly Redden
I just finished watching the Discovery Channel program on the Shroud which featured Ray Rogers... This program was the most revealing, I thought, concerning the C14 datings. Once again, my sincerest congratulations! - Remi Dubuque
Just a note to say congratulations on what I think was the best show ever on the Shroud, by far... No one with at least a 50% open mind could watch that show and not conclude that something stinks about the 1988 radiocarbon date. - Ed Prior
I was especially pleased with the way Discovery handled the science in general, and Ray's indomitable personality in particular... FYI, here is (an excerpt from) a note I sent to the Discovery Network: Re: The Shroud Unwrapped. Excellent and compelling presentation... - Robert R. (Bob) Rogers (Ray Rogers' cousin)
I just sat down at my computer after watching the very well introduced, well documented, well done scientific coverage of Unwrapping the Shroud, produced in depth and in detail. Truly well planned and in all respects a magnificent production. The team that put this production together is to be complimented.... they possess thorough knowledge... sound judgement and keen professional competence. - Pete Mattli
I thought that was the best Shroud program in years. A major cut above other recent ones... They avoided giving air time to skeptics simply because they exist. They regarded it proven by STURP that the Shroud was not a painting (ignoring McCrone). The story told about Benford, Marino and Rogers was interesting and human. Overall, it was a tremendous relief after the "let's give the skeptics equal time and treat seriously their totally inadequate methods for producing a shroud" programs of recent years. - Robert Perry
Discovery Channel's "Unwrapping the Shroud" was very interesting. Thanks. - Warren Faue
I watched and recorded last night's program. I thought it was quite good. It was straightforward about the very strong evidence of the cotton reweaving explanation for the C14 dating anomaly without appearing biased toward anything except good scientific data. I have waited since (2005) for a program such as the one I saw last night to make its way into the media. - Jim Swavely
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the new Discovery special on the Shroud... the interview with Ray Rogers was amazing and the long lasting implications of his work are far reaching. It was wonderful to finally have a well balanced presentation of these important recent researches. - Louis Juarez
Just wanted to tell you how very pleased I was with the Shroud program shown on the Discovery Channel last night... many, many thanks. - Jack and Joann Markwardt
Luckily I caught the latest program on the Discovery Channel. It is so unusual to have a program on the Shroud without all that nonsense usually incorporated into Shroud programs. I've been waiting for just such a discovery, since all the other evidence points to a much older Shroud. - Rita Diehl
I saw the Shroud program on Discovery Channel (in HD, of course). I thought it was well done... and really brought me up to date with the latest in regard to the dating issues. ...It was most interesting to have the video of Ray Rogers - Randy Schreiner
The documentary was refreshing in that it highlighted many of the unique and extraordinary features of the Shroud... Even the carbon dating was handled well. - Francis DeStefano
The best yet! - Jack Gill
I saw the first broadcast of this Discovery show and I thought it was one of the very best done so far. - Mike Burcke
I watched the documentary on the Shroud at 2:00 a.m. because I couldn't watch the earlier edition. I must say I wasn't at all disappointed. The program didn't seem to be leaning one way or another... and I was glad to see they weren't negative. - Donna Gwaltney
I did watch the program and I thought they did a very fair job. - Pam Forrester
I thought that Discovery did an excellent job this time. - Barbara Clark
I saw the episode and loved it. - Darla Mann
I saw it. I thought it was great! - Holli Raymer
I did see the show and thought it was very well done. - Lisa Bast
I watched the program and loved it and learned so much more than what I knew about the reweave. - Sharron Martinez (Docent, Shroud Center of Southern California)
Excellent Show! - Thomas and Mary Ann Wilkins
I watched the Discovery Channel show last evening and was very pleased. I thought it was a fair representation of the state of Shroud investigation to date, at least as well as could be done in a one hour program. Your fond portrayal of (Ray) Rogers and clear description of his final work on behalf of Shroud science was great. - Bob Verbos
What a refreshing documentary! - Prof. Dan Scavone
That Shroud documentary was terrific! Thank God this new research initiated by Ray Rogers is being publicized. - Jeff Messenger
I wanted to let you know that the new Shroud program on Discovery was fantastic. - Cathy Mauser
I thought the program was quite good, especially as it reported on Ray (Rogers). - Jeff Bjorck
I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present than this new documentary. Kudos and more Kudos! - Russell Breault
Posted January 21, 2009
Shroud Speakers Directory Page Updated
I am pleased to announce that two new speakers have been added to the Shroud Speakers Directory page of the website. Long time viewers will recognize the name of John C. Iannone, author of the 1998 book, "The Mystery of the Shroud of Turin: New Scientific Evidence." John has been involved in Shroud studies for many years and is now available for speaking engagements. Newer on the scene (but not to the Shroud) is Thomas Senn, who is an ordained Permanent Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio. I was pleased to meet Tom personally at the Ohio Shroud Conference in August, 2008 and I know he will bring his own positive perspective to his lectures.
The Shroud Speakers Directory was created in response to the many e-mail requests I regularly receive from groups and organizations looking for qualified individuals to speak on the Shroud of Turin. By consulting this directory, you will find listings for Shroud lecturers that include a short biography of each, a description of the topics they present, their geographic location, how to contact them directly and other pertinent information that will help you find the right speaker for your group.
Posted January 21, 2009
British Society for the Turin Shroud (BSTS) December 2008 Newsletter Added
The British Society for the Turin Shroud page has been updated to include the text of the most recent issue (December 2008, No. 68) of the BSTS Newsletter. As regular website viewers already know, the newsletters always include relevant articles, book reviews, news from Italy and much more. Newsletter editor Mark Guscin (www.markguscin.com) also includes a full color, high quality photographic feature in each issue, (although I typically reprint a text only version on this website). See below for information on joining the BSTS so you can receive the full color, fully illustrated printed versions of the newsletter.
BSTS Issue No. 68 includes a number of interesting new articles. First is an interesting paper by Pierre de Riedmatten titled "The Holy Face of Laon," which describes an old and venerated icon belonging to Laon City in France that has been famous since the Middle Ages. Also included is the first part of an article by BSTS Member Lennox Manton titled "Vignon Mark 15 in the Cappadocian and other images of Christ (Part 1)," an article by Joseph Durham reviewing the August 2008 Ohio Shroud Conference, News from Italy detailing the 2010 Exposition of the Shroud and much more.
For those of you who might be interested in a membership in the BSTS (which includes a subscription to two printed issues of the Newsletter per year) see the printable BSTS Membership Application for details. The newsletter is published semi-annually, usually in June and December, and the text is reprinted on this website in the Acrobat PDF format, but without the photographs or illustrations.
Posted January 21, 2009
Ohio Conference Videos Now Available Online
Thanks to Russell Breault, founder and publisher of the excellent Shroud University website, www.shrouduniversity.com, the first two videos from the August 2008 Ohio Shroud Conference are now available online as WMV files. These include the important data presented by Robert Villarreal of Los Alamos National Laboratory at http://www.shrouduniversity.com/videos/villareal.wmv and the spectacular holography presentation made by Petrus Soons at http://www.shrouduniversity.com/videos/soons.wmv. You can now find permanent links to the videos on Russell's website as well as the Ohio Shroud Conference page of this site. Russ intends to release additional videos from the conference on a monthly basis, so check his site regularly for new ones.
Speaking of the Ohio Shroud Conference, webmaster Dan Porter reports that the majority of the papers presented at the conference will be available on the Official Conference Website, www.ohioshroudconference.com, in the next week or two, so check the site frequently. Currently, only the abstracts of the papers are available, but ultimately, all of the papers will be available online in their entirety. Once again, Russell and Dan deserve special thanks for so promptly providing us with such great access to all of this important Shroud material.
Posted January 21, 2009
New Shroud Book Published In France
To regular website viewers, the name Thibault Heimburger, M.D. will be a familiar one. In January 2008 I published Thibault's excellent summary article, A Detailed Critical Review of the Chemical Studies on the Turin Shroud: Facts and Interpretations. This week Thibault informed me that he has co-authored a new book on the Shroud with Sébastien Cataldo that has just been published in France (in the French language). The book is titled: "Le linceul de Turin- Et vous qui dites-vous que je suis ?" - "les dernières découvertes qui pourraient tout changer." ("The Shroud of Turin- Who am I for you?" - "The last discoveries which could change everything").
According to Thibault, "In this book all the aspects of the studies of the shroud are explained: History, textile studies, Theology as well as the most important scientific studies mainly from STURP, including the problem of the image formation process. Regarding the radiocarbon dating of the Shroud, Ray Rogers' findings are described for the first time in French. Moreover, the latest findings from the Columbus Conference are explained (the LANL results and the surface chemistry anomalies of the radiocarbon area)."
The book is available in bookshops or can be ordered at http://www.docteurangelique.com or http://www.laprocure.fr (type "linceul" in the search area). One can also find the first page of each chapter of the book as well as some additional photos at this website: www.linceul-turin.com.
Thibault was also kind enough to provide the information from the back cover of the book in both French and English languages, which you can read at this link: linceulbook.pdf. The book has also been added to the Shroud Booklist page of the site. .Posted January 21, 2009
"Greetings From Iraq"
Archbishop Gerwargis Sliwa gives "Image of Edessa" Lecture in Arbil, Iraq
Photographs © 2008 All Rights ReservedI am always excited when I see "Greetings from Iraq" in the subject line of an incoming e-mail, because I immediately know the message is from my friend, Archbishop Gewargis Sliwa of the Assyrian Church of the East in Baghdad, Iraq. I was recently very pleased to receive just such an e-mail, although the content of this letter included a serious yet hopeful message. Archbishop Sliwa has graciously given me permission to share it with all of you by reprinting it here.
Dear Mr. Schwortz,
I hope you are doing fine.
Though I have not written to you since we last met in Los Angeles in 2006, I have continued viewing your website for updated news on the Holy Shroud.
I am sure you are following the news of the bad situation in Iraq especially in Baghdad where my office is. We are still looking forward to seeing the signs of a peaceful life.
Thousands of Iraqi families left the country to the neighboring countries, among them thousands of Christians. The only spiritual weapon for those who are still in the country facing such horrible life is faith and hope. The church for them is their only place where they can strengthen their hope for a better future.
It is our duty as clergies to make them forget what is going on around them by preaching and presenting some church and faith activities and lectures. This is what happened on November 14 2008, in the hall of Saint John the Baptist church in the city of Arbil, in the north of Iraq, where a large crowd attended my lecture, "The Image of Edessa." Attached are some photos from the lecture (see above).
I ask all the viewers of this site to pray for justice and peace in our historical country Iraq. Let us pray for a peaceful and happy life for all the peoples all over the world.
My best regards.
Archbishop Gewargis Sliwa
Baghdad
Posted January 21, 2009
In Memoriam
Michael Minor
1946 - 2008I am saddened to report the untimely passing of Michael Minor, co-founder, Vice-president and General Council of AM*STAR, on December 23, 2008 at his home in Kaufman, Texas, after a brief illness. Included here is the official obituary I received from Thomas D'Muhala and Isabel Piczek, board members and co-founders of AM*STAR:
D. MICHAEL MINOR Michael Minor died 23 December 2008 at home after a brief illness.
Mike was born 21 April 1946 in Bowie, Texas where he spent most of his boyhood.
After attending Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas and, Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas he put himself through law school at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas.
Mike was a practicing lawyer for thirty-eight (38) years. He also, was a partner in a rare document business, Lone Star Autographs.
He authored/co-authored three (3) books and was currently working on a fourth (4th). Mike was a co-author of several articles in professional and educational journals dealing with historically significant documents of Presidents/First Ladies. He was a contributing author/co-author to chapters in several editions of the Sander's Price Guide to Autographs.
Mike became interested in the Shroud of Turin about 38 years ago while still in Law school. In 1984 he was retained as legal council for the Shroud of Turin Research Project, Inc. (STURP), and later the American Shroud of Turin Association for Research (AMSTAR.)
While involved with Shroud research, Mike had the privilege of attending the 1998 and 2000 Shroud Expositions in Turin, Italy. He, also, organized three (3) International Shroud of Turin Symposiums in 1998, 2000 and 2005, in Dallas Texas.
In 2006, Amstar was approached by Grizzly Adams Productions, Inc. to make a documentary on new evidence in Shroud research presented at the 2005 International Symposium on the Shroud of Turin. Mike helped co-ordinate filming for the documentary in Turin, Italy. He, also, co-authored the "Case for Christ's Resurrection". He will forever inspire his colleagues left behind, to continue working for the Lord of the Shroud, just as he did, humbly and faithfully.
Michael Minor was a respected lawyer, a brilliant historian, prolific writer, and a wonderful man of God. He will be sorely missed by family and many good friends.MIKE MINOR'S SHROUD JOURNEY Mike began his journey in Sindonology while in law school over 38 years ago. He was given a picture of the Shroud, and was blessed by its beautiful and quiet Face. Wanting to know more, he contacted Father Adam Otterbein (Holy Shroud Guild). He also became friends with Fr. Peter Rinaldi of the Holy Shroud Guild in Italy. Father Rinaldi was, at that time, serving as Pastor of Corpus Christi Catholic church in Port Chester, NY. Mike continued to meet Shroud scientist and researcher. In 1984 he became General Council of the Shroud of Turin Research Project, Inc. (STURP.) Subsequently, he became Vice-president/General Council and a board member of the American Shroud of Turin Association for Research (AMSTAR.) Mike also acted as liaison between AMSTAR and the Turin Authorities. He organized three (3) International Shroud of Turin Scientific Symposiums for AMSTAR.
Mike served in these capacities until his death, 23 December 2008.
We extend our deepest regrets and sympathies to Mike's family and friends. I also received a moving tribute to Mike from Isabel Piczek, which you can read in its entirety at this link:
Remembering Mike Minor Posted January 21, 2009
In Memoriam
Brendan Whiting I am further saddened to report the last minute news that Brendan Whiting, author of the 2006 book "The Shroud Story," died this past week in Sydney, Australia. Our deepest regrets and sympathies to his family and friends for their loss. Here is the story as I received it, courtesy of CathNews - Australia:
Shroud of Turin author dies in Sydney
Published: January 16, 2009
Author Brendan Whiting whose book "The Shroud Story" rebutted scientific tests dating the Shroud of Turin to the 14th century has died in Sydney. The Catholic Weekly reports that Whiting's 2006 book renewed support for the authenticity of the Shroud on the persuasive grounds that the tiny samples of cloth taken for chemical testing were remnants of nearly invisible mending done in the Middle Ages and that in 2005 further examination of the corner of the cloth from which samples for testing were taken proved to be different in chemical composition from the main part of the cloth.It also listed the findings of an international group of 24 scientists that the Shroud of Turin was surviving evidence of the crucified Christ and an expert's assertion that the material, weave and style of the shroud were from the Dead Sea area, dating from the first century AD.
Mr Whiting, a widower, is survived by his daughters Melanie and Linda and his son Adrian. Melanie McHale said her father was diagnosed with leukaemia only three weeks before Christmas and had set himself to have a wonderful Christmas with his children, as they did, with the knowledge, as their father said, "that he would soon be walking with Christ."
Posted January 21, 2009
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Over the years, I have received numerous requests from website viewers to provide some advance notice of my upcoming speaking engagements. Although this is not always possible, I am including the information in this update of several confirmed speaking engagements I have for March of this year:
Saturday, March 14, 2009 - Stockton, California: This lecture is sponsored by the Sindone Educational Gallery, founded in 2001 by Cora Galvez, M.D. The date is confirmed but I do not have any further details about time or venue at this moment. You can contact the Gallery directly for more information: Sindone Educational Gallery, 2233 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 103-B, Stockton, California 95207. Tel: (209) 477-3554.
Thursday, March 19, 2009 - 7:00 p.m. - Ft. Meyers, Florida: This lecture is part of a new 2009 Speaker Series sponsored by the Shell Point Retirement Community, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers. The 2009 Speaker Series at Shell Point also includes veteran TV journalist and FOX News anchor Chris Wallace and Dr. Kent Moors, international oil policy and business expert. The presentations will be held in The Village Church auditorium on the Island at Shell. All residents of Southwest Florida are invited to attend, but tickets are required. To purchase tickets or receive additional information about the series, call 239-454-2067 or visit www.shellpoint.org.
Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. - Naples, Florida: This lecture is part of an ongoing speaker series at Ave Maria University in Naples. I am happy to be returning to speak at Ave Maria for the second time and am very pleased that my dear friend, Prof. Dan Scavone will also be making a presentation. Tickets are required, so contact the university via their website at www.avemaria.edu. I also found this link helpful: www.avemaria.edu/featuredevents.
Posted January 21, 2009
Shroud of Turin Website Mailing List
Just a reminder that you can become a subscriber to the Shroud of Turin Website Mailing List and receive an e-mail notice whenever the website is updated. In addition, subscribers receive exclusive opportunities not available to the general public. These include access to papers and articles in advance of their publication, discounts on Shroud books and other materials and much more. To join, go to the Send Us E-mail page, enter your e-mail address in the box provided and hit "Go!" Follow the instructions and you will be added to the list in less than a minute.
Posted January 21, 2009
The Next Update...
I am planning on doing another update before Easter, although the exact dates are not clear at this moment. I am waiting for one researcher to complete his ongoing analysis of a Raes sample thread and intend to publish his results as soon as they are completed. Several months ago I alluded to an important announcement I intended to make, and hope to finally make that announcement in the next update. Also, I will be adding a set of beautiful new Shroud lithographs to the Website Store page, so check back from time to time. See you soon!
Posted January 21, 2009
Go to the 2008 Website News page to review the items that were included on the "Late Breaking Website News" page last year. Also available for review are the archived Website News pages for 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
 | Top of Page | | Main Menu | | Shroud Library |
|---|
