The Shroud of Turin Touches Schuylkill County

Shenandoah, Schuylkill County- A replica of the Shroud of Turin blessed by Pope Benedict the 16th is on display in Schuylkill County.  Nine replicas of the Shroud are traveling the country.  "I have never had a spiritual feeling like that in my life," says Janet Ostrosky, of Pottsville.  Ostrosky is one of many people who have come to Shenandoah to see the authentic Vatican replica of the Shroud of Turin at St. Micheal's Church.  She says her time with the relic has restored her faith.  "I just feel sad that we have no pope right now, that sort of not scary, but it sort of leaves you a bit empty with the church," says Ostrosky.   

A year ago the Pottsville native lost her leg in a work related accident and has be in a depression ever since, but visiting the shroud has changed her perspective.  Ostrosky says "honest I felt like I had the weight of the world taken off my shoulder, I really did."  She, like so many others, came for healing and to renew her faith in God, but it's not just a sight for those looking to get something in return.

It's also a learning experience.  Randi Wood of Shenandoah says "I was here this morning with my teacher and we didn't go see the movie, but we went to see the shroud.  It made me happy."  Paul Kerrick is a member of St. Michael's and says "it's the physical evidence that we need in our world today for all of those who say there is no proof.  It's the proof, there is proof and it's this right here."

According to church members more then 5,000 people have come to Shenandoah to see this piece of religious history.  "To see this and to see the faith and beliefs of all these people... everybody truly believes in their hearts that this is the real thing and it's holy and it's sacred," says Ostrosky.  The replica of the Shroud will be in Shenandoah until March 8th.  From there it will move to Wilmington, Delaware.