Treasure

While Jesus was briefly dead Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea wound His corpse in a sheet.

Through the streets of Turin last week The Sacred Winding Sheet (also called The Holy Shroud) was borne triumphantly in a silver chest to The Chapel of the Winding Sheet in Turin cathedral. Escorting it walked Crown Prince Umberto, Crown Princess Marie Jose, Princess Mafalda, Yolanda and Bona, the Dukes of Apulia, Genoa, Spoleto, Pistoia Ancona, Bergamo and the Count of Turin.

The last time Italians saw it was 33 years ago, in honor of the wedding of King Vittorio Emanuele and Queen Elena in 1896. In the 14th Century the Pope arbitrated at hot debate as to its authenticity. Nevertheless it remains the chief treasure of the Most Catholic House of Savoy.

In the next six weeks, during which time the treasure will be exhibited at Turin, 1,500,000 pilgrims are expected, including Their Majesties. Why this exhibition? "The occasion" said a spokesman for the Crown last week, "is the marriage last year of Crown Prince Umberto."

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