It’s an image wrapped up in a mystery, woven into the fabric of faith and now, increasingly, supported by science.
The Shroud of Turin, believed by many to bear the image of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, has captivated people for centuries.
Yet questions remain: who was the man on the ancient linen cloth? And how was his image created?
These profound questions were explored and analysed at the Australian Holy Shroud Conference, held at the Liverpool Catholic Club on 27 and 28 June.
A team of expert speakers—blending science, history, theology, and faith—presented compelling evidence for the shroud’s authenticity as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
Speakers included local shroud expert, William West, international guests Fr Andrew Dalton and documentarian David Rolfe, and the president of Campion College, Dr Paul Morrissey.
Fr Brendan Murphy SDB, the president of the Australian Holy Shroud Conference organising committee and parish priest at Our Lady of the Rosary in St Marys in western Sydney, welcomed the nearly 300 in attendance.
“The shroud in itself is a gift that the Lord gave to us in order to gift to other people,” said committee member Steve Buhagiar.
“It’s an event 14 months in the making and we are blessed to have the information that we’re receiving,” he added.
Maria Joyce from St Marys attended to gain a “a clearer understanding of what the holy shroud is all about, and the mystery behind it all.”
The conference also featured an exhibition featuring a full-size replica of the shroud and artifacts relating to Christ’s crucifixion.
Celebrated Turin Shroud author and expert, William West, presented historical evidence from 20th century forensic scientists and doctors to explain the “miracle” behind the man on the cloth.
“No one can explain it,” he said.
West described the image as that of a male body which bears genuine blood and trauma marks consistent with crucifixion wounds, yet said it underwent a mysterious transition, like light passing through matter, to imprint on the linen. “How did the image get on the cloth?” he asked.
Most compelling, West pointed out, is that scientists estimate about 30 trillion watts of energy was necessary to produce the image seen on the shroud. He explained that, even after 127 years of study this intense burst of light suggests a supernatural origin.
Marianne Shonoda came to the conference as a sceptic but left as a believer.
“I was a bit sceptical. But coming in here and seeing how the shroud has not been able to be reproduced, and the amount of light that would be needed to produce that kind of image into linen, I’m just blown away,” she said.
At a session called “The Crowning of Thorns” Fr Dalton, a US-based international speaker on the topic, invited the audience to “pause and ponder on Christ’s suffering before he was placed in the shroud.”
Starting with the crown of thorns he said, “We don’t know of anyone who was crowned and crucified, increasing the probability that it was Christ.”
Fr Dalton explored the symbolism behind the crown of thorns, linking it to biblical themes.
“What does it mean that he was crowned with thorns?” he asked.
He traced the motif back to the Bible’s earliest chapters, where plants with fruit are described as good, while thorns and thistles are cursed to grow from the ground because of the sins of Adam.
“Thorns and thistles become a symbol of sun and disorder,” he explains.
“On the cross, Jesus bares the sins of the world on his own head. He is atoning for our sins and burying them in the ground,” and pointing to the shroud states: “this is a picture of what that does to him.”
Further contemplation involved the bloodstains and wounds on the shroud.
Referencing the lancing of Christ’s side, Fr Dalton explained ultraviolet imaging of the bloodstains indicate “the blood and water flowing from Jesus’ side” symbolising the union of Christ and his church – the nuptial union between God and his people.
“This story isn’t just about Christ,” Fr Dalton reflected. “It’s a map for our own journey. He remains with us in the Eucharist; that’s his promise. We too can meet him.”
Colin Byatt from Freeman’s Reach believed the evidence was “irrefutable.”
“I’m very impressed. And it’s cementing an already strong belief in its authenticity,” he said.
Rolfe, a film maker, converted to the faith after being enlisted to produce a BAFTA award-winning documentary on the authenticity of the shroud titled: The Silent Witness.
His latest documentary, Who Can He Be?, one of the three films he’s made on the subject, was also shown as part of the conference.
Dr Paul Morrissey, president of liberal arts college Campion College, spoke on the subject of evangelisation and the shroud.
The shroud, he argued lies at “the intersection of faith and reason.”
Morrissey emphasised that “the shroud attracts people seeking the truth. When they see the truth through the shroud: the truth, goodness and beauty of the faith can be revealed as well. It can be a real way for us even here in Australia to bring the faith to young people.”
It is a message and experience that has left its mark on young mother Myrna Panagakis from Peakhurst.
“It’s not just a piece of cloth,” she said.
“Using this evidence, I want to take it back to my children. We’re going to meet science and faith. People want science. We’ve got the faith. Let’s bring it both together and use it to our evangelising capabilities.”