Shroud of Turin--Gospel of John QUESTION from Jane September 5, 2001 Dear Brother John-Paul,
There is much evidence that the Shroud of Turin could, indeed, be the burial cloth of Christ. I have leaned in the direction of believing it until I was struck by what seems to be a contradiction of its authenticity in the Gospel of John. -- John writes of burial cloths (plural) and also mentions a separate cover for the face or head which was rolled up separately from the cloths. -- Has any explanation for this been put forth by Biblical and/or historical scholars who believe in the authenticity of the shroud?
(I do realize that whether or not it is authentic has nothing to do with the Deposit of the Faith or Sacred Tradition.)
Thank you--Jane
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, OLSM on September 10, 2001 Dear Mrs. Jane:
If I remember correctly, there is a face cloth that goes directly over the face, but then there is another cloth that covers the entire body.
The Shroud of Turin would be the one that covers that entire body.
God Bless.
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