Amid the hustle and bustle of people coming and going, we took advantage of a moment of quiet to explore a corner of peace dedicated to spirituality: the space set up for confessions and the mystery of the Holy Shroud.
After walking down the side corridor, from which we occasionally glimpsed the crowd gathered in prayer for the day’s Holy Mass, we arrived at the foot of a narrow and steep staircase. Once at the top, we found ourselves facing a maze of panels, each telling a fragment of the Shroud’s history.
Behind, highlighted against a black background, was a reproduction of the Shroud, displayed so that all the faithful passing by could contemplate it. In the adjacent space, confessionals were set up, divided by major linguistic regions. We asked the people who were there to tell us about their experience: Ina, who arrived here from Minsk with her husband, confided that it was a very touching moment for them, particularly because they were moved by being able to pray in front of the image of the Shroud.
Maria Jesus, who came here from Leon in northern Spain, reported feeling the presence of God and His protection. Luiz Carlos said that his wife Joaniza, after a long journey that began in the north of Brazil, was moved when she saw the Shroud.
Leaving this mystical oasis behind, we paused to reflect: it is incredible how such a neutral place, usually intended for secular entertainment events, can transform into a spiritual place, made almost sacred by the faith of those who populate it.