Rare Exhibition of Christ's Holy Tunic Draws Global Pilgrims to France in 2025

April 18, 2025
Rare Exhibition of Christ's Holy Tunic Draws Global Pilgrims to France in 2025
  • An extraordinary exhibition of the Holy Tunic of Christ is set to take place in Argenteuil, France, from April 18 to May 11, 2025, marking a rare event that occurs only once every fifty years.

  • The Holy Tunic, believed to have been worn by Jesus during his passion, serves as a focal point for the celebrations of the 2025 Jubilee year declared by the Pope.

  • During this period, approximately 400,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Argenteuil to witness the relic, which is currently housed in a reliquary made of ivory at the Basilica of Saint-Denys, located about ten kilometers northwest of Paris.

  • This year's ostension is anticipated to attract significant attention, with notable attendees including 21 bishops and 5 cardinals, among them Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State.

  • The last ostension of the Holy Tunic occurred in 1975, underscoring the infrequency of this significant event within the Catholic Church.

  • Local merchants are preparing for the influx of visitors, with shopkeepers like Atteq expressing both enthusiasm and concern regarding the event's impact on local commerce.

  • To accommodate the large number of pilgrims, traffic restrictions have been implemented in Argenteuil, including a ban on circulation on certain streets during the exhibition period.

  • The event will necessitate substantial security measures, with 200 police officers deployed daily to ensure the safety of attendees.

  • The exhibition will be open to the public and will feature a detailed liturgical program available on the website saintetunique.com.

  • While Argenteuil is believed to house remnants of the tunic worn by Christ, the Church remains cautious about the authenticity of the relic.

  • Overall, the exhibition is poised to be a significant religious and cultural event, drawing attention from around the world.

Summary based on 2 sources


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