Rare Exhibition of Christ's Holy Tunic Draws Global Pilgrims to France in 2025
April 18, 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.
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