VATICAN - In the audience with pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Turin, the Pope announces another “solemn exposition of the Shroud” in 2010: “to contemplate that mysterious face which silently speaks to the hearts of men, inviting them to recognize therein the face of God.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On June 2, in the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received participants in a pilgrimage from the Archdiocese of Turin, led by the city’s Archbishop, Cardinal Severino Poletto, on the occasion of the conclusion of the spiritual and pastoral path made by the diocese during the last several years. The Pope took the opportunity to announce that there will be another Solemn Exposition of the Shroud in the Spring of 2010. Greeting the pilgrims, the Holy Father offered, “a word of special spiritual closeness and solidarity” to the people of Pinerolo and Cuneo, suffering the effects of recent flooding: “I assure you of my special prayer to the Lord for you, that He may so support those who are struggling to face the grave natural calamity.”
Reflecting on the path of the Diocese from 1999 until today, the Holy Father said, “This ecclesial itinerary has made you protagonists in a wide-ranging apostolic and missionary activities, based on intense spiritual movement which focuses above all on the Sunday Eucharist, on weekly Eucharistic adoration and on the rediscovery of the importance of the Sacrament of Penance. Inspired by the sincere desire for a ‘renewal of the first evangelization,’ you have sought to draw close to those who are 'furthest away,' extending the boundaries of pastoral charity and every parish community. This missionary commitment has become even more deeply shared in the current pastoral year, the year of 'Redditio fidei', and has its culmination in the solemn profession of faith you proclaimed together this morning at the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles.”
Regarding the Diocese’s upcoming commitments – the coming pastoral year will be dedicated to the Word of God and the next year, to the contemplation of the mystery of Christ’s Passion – the Holy Father affirmed, “in these circumstances, I am delighted to accept the wishes of your Archbishop, giving my consent so that in the spring of 2010 there may be another 'Solemn Exposition of the Shroud.’” It will provide an appropriate moment to contemplate that mysterious Face which silently speaks to the hearts of men, inviting them to recognize therein the face of God, who ‘so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not die, but have eternal life’ (Jn. 3:16).”
At the close of his address, the Pope encouraged the pilgrims of Turin saying, “Do not be afraid to trust in Christ: He alone can satisfy the deepest desires of the human spirit. May no difficulty or obstacle hinder your love for the Gospel of Christ! If Jesus is the centre of your families, of your parishes and of all communities, you will feel His living presence, and unity and communion will grow among the various elements of the diocese.” Lastly, he encouraged them to constantly nourish your union with the Lord, in prayer and with the frequent practice of the Sacraments,” and to “ensure continuous Christian formation for young people and for adults” so that your Diocese may distinguish itself for works of charity and for your joint efforts to face the great 'educational challenge' of the new generations.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/6/2008)