A traveling exhibit featuring sacred relics and historical artifacts connected to the life of Jesus Christ and the early Church will be on display March 13–15 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Perryville.
The exhibit, titled “Come, See, Believe,” invites visitors to explore items associated with the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, as well as relics connected to saints and early Christian history.
Among the featured items will be the Veil of Veronica, believed by tradition to bear the image of Christ’s face, and a presentation about the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth many believe wrapped Jesus after His crucifixion. The display will include an eight-foot replica of the Shroud accompanied by panels explaining the cloth’s history and the ongoing scientific investigation of its authenticity.
Visitors will also see what organizers describe as a relic believed to be a particle of the Holy Shroud, along with devotional images connected to the Divine Mercy and the Face of the Resurrection revealed in Manoppello, Italy.
The exhibit will also feature relics connected to several saints and figures from Christian history, including St. Dismas, the “Good Thief” crucified alongside Jesus; St. Longinus, the Roman soldier traditionally believed to have pierced Christ’s side; St. Peter; King St. Louis IX of France; St. Faustina Kowalska; and Blessed Carlo Acutis, the Italian teenager known for promoting Eucharistic devotion.
Organizers say the exhibit will also include ancient coins and artifacts from biblical and Roman history, including a Pontius Pilate coin dating to about A.D. 29.
Throughout the weekend, presentations will be offered explaining the historical and spiritual significance of the items on display.
The event schedule includes:
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
■ 10:45–11:45 a.m. — Shroud presentation
■ 12:10 p.m. — Mass in church
■ 2–5 p.m. — Exhibit display
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
■ 10–11:45 a.m. — Shroud presentation
■ 12:10 p.m. — Mass in church
■ 2–5 p.m. — Spanish Shroud presentation
SUNDAY, MARCH 15
■ 10–10:45 a.m. — Presentation
■ 11 a.m. — Mass in church
■ 1–5 p.m. — Exhibit display
■ 2–3 p.m. — Shroud presentation
Presentations will take place in the Laboure Room near the gift shop at the shrine.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is located in Perryville and welcomes visitors from across the region each year for pilgrimages, retreats and special events.
More information about the exhibit is available by contacting danvogel777@ gmail.com or visiting centreformercy. org.
