A Lenten Encounter with the Mystery of the Passion

The initiative was especially centered around Lent, the liturgical season that prepares Christians for Easter. Through the visual encounter with the Holy Shroud — an enduring symbol of suffering, sacrifice, and hope — the faithful were invited into a deeper meditation on the mystery of Christ’s Passion.

Each participating parish hosted a life-size photographic reproduction of the Shroud, accompanied by catechetical materials, prayer services, and public conferences. This widespread display, or ostensione, was not just an exhibition; it was a spiritual journey that led individuals and communities into contemplation, repentance, and renewed faith.

A Message of Hope in a Time of Crisis

Born from a desire to offer a meaningful spiritual experience during the Jubilee, the Ostensione Diffusa also sought to address the spiritual hunger and disorientation of our times. Amid global conflicts, societal crises, and violations of human dignity, the image of the Shroud stood as a silent but eloquent witness to the love of God. It reminded the Church — and the world — of the reality of Christ’s suffering and the transformative power of His Resurrection.

The initiative also affirmed the enduring presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. As the Church celebrated the Jubilee, this project became a visible and tangible sign of hope, illuminating the path of faith with the light of the Paschal mystery.

A Shared Effort Across Regions

The project originated through the initiative of Prof.ssa Emanuela Marinelli, Prof.ssa Anna Maria Toselli, and others passionate about making the Shroud more accessible. Each organizer identified churches within their local areas or among bishops and pastors they knew. These personal and ecclesial relationships were crucial in securing permission to host the ostensioni. In each case, the timing of the display was agreed upon with the local clergy: some parishes participated for a limited period, others for the entirety of the Jubilee, and a few even chose to host permanent exhibitions.

Regarding the replicas themselves, some organizers already possessed photographic copies of the Shroud. For those who did not, a high-end graphic arts laboratory near Rome offered assistance by producing full-size photographic reproductions on fabric, closely resembling the original. Thanks to the generosity of the lab and the simplicity of the materials, each copy was produced for a modest sum of €130, paid for personally by the organizers. Many of these copies were also shipped abroad.

In Sicily, the project was led by sindonologist Angelo Russo and involved multiple parishes throughout the year.
In Reggio Calabria, the initiative was guided by Don Bruno Cipro and sindonologist Massimo Occhiuto. There, the parish of San Luca Evangelista hosted a permanent display of the Shroud copy throughout the Jubilee year. The calendar included catecheses and exhibitions at multiple churches.
In the Diocese of Cremona, the parishes of Soncino, Annicco, and Paderno Ponchielli, along with the Dominican Monastery of San Sigismondo, hosted a dedicated Lenten itinerary. Between March 5 and April 27, photographic copies of the Shroud were on display, accompanied by a series of virtual conferences.

Each stop offered the faithful a profound opportunity for reflection and community prayer, with a special emphasis on rediscovering the central message of the Gospel through the lens of the Shroud.

Stories of Spiritual Impact

The Ostensione Diffusa touched many hearts, not only through the power of the image but through the communal experience of prayer and reflection. In several parishes, faithful were moved to tears upon encountering the Shroud, sensing the nearness of Christ in His Passion. One organizer recounted how an elderly man who hadn’t been to church in years returned during the exhibition and confessed after decades away. In another community, youth groups led nightly meditations, drawing peers into deeper encounters with Christ’s love.

These were not isolated experiences. Across Italy and beyond, the Shroud awakened personal conversion, deepened Eucharistic faith, and strengthened community bonds.

Beyond the Jubilee Year

Although the initiative began in the context of the Jubilee, its fruits extended well beyond 2025. With nearly 200 displays created — most in Italy, but many also in countries such as Croatia, Albania, France, Ukraine, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Israel, Tanzania, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and the United States — the organizers decided to continue the project in the coming years. In some cases, the photographic Shrouds found a permanent home in churches, serving as ongoing centers of prayer and evangelization. The network of participants remains active, and a dedicated website continues to document and update the many ongoing displays.

A Sign of Christ’s Enduring Presence

The Ostensione Diffusa was more than a Jubilee celebration — it became a renewed testimony of the Church’s mission to make Christ visible in history. In every display and every moment of prayer, the Shroud spoke anew: not merely as a historical artifact, but as a witness to divine love, calling believers to conversion, contemplation, and hope.