“Il Volto Santo,” or “the Holy Face,” is one of the most revered relics in Christianity, enshrined in the Basilica of the Volto Santo in Manoppello, Italy. This delicate veil, measuring approximately 17.5 cm by 24 cm, bears an image of the true face of Jesus Christ.
According to tradition, this veil absorbed the very first breath of the Risen Christ, imprinting upon itself a vivid and inexplicable image of His resurrected face. Modern scholars have confirmed that the image corresponds perfectly in all its measurements to the face of the dead Christ on the Shroud of Turin, reinforcing its authenticity and divine origin.
For centuries, the Holy Veil has inspired deep devotion, theological reflection, and scientific inquiry. Historical accounts trace its arrival in Manoppello around 1506, though its origins remain mysterious.
In 1618, Brother Remigio da Rapino, a Capuchin friar, carefully framed the veil between two panes of glass to preserve it. The Capuchin friars later enshrined the relic in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, in 1638, ensuring its veneration for generations.
The first recorded feast in its honor took place on Aug. 6, 1690, aligning with the Feast of the Transfiguration, and since then, processions and hymns dedicated to the Holy Face have become integral to its tradition.
In modern times, “Il Volto Santo” has drawn increasing global attention. Pope Benedict XVI visited the shrine, emphasizing its significance in Christian devotion and bringing renewed awareness to this sacred image.
A historic enthronement in the United States
In an extraordinary gesture, the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto has been chosen as the first location on the East Coast of the United States to house an authentic relic image of the Holy Face of Manoppello. How appropriate, considering that Padre Pio’s last known bilocation was to visit “Il Volto Santo” on the morning of Sept. 22, 1968 – just hours before his death – and askedfor prayers from Padre Domenico da Cese, rector of the Basilica of Manoppello.
This relic image will be permanently enshrined for veneration, providing the faithful in America with a unique opportunity to witness and pray before this sacred image.
The Enthronement of the Holy Veil will take place on Tuesday, July 15 at noon at the National Centre for Padre Pio. The solemn Mass and Enthronement ceremony will be celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert and Padre Antonio Gentili, O.F.M., Capuchin, Rector of the Basilica Shrine of the Holy Face in Manoppello, Italy. This historic event invites all the faithful to partake in a moment of profound spiritual significance as the Holy Face of Manoppello finds a home in the United States.
“Il Volto Santo” continues to inspire wonder and reverence. Its mysterious origins, fragile beauty, and profound spiritual significance invite both pilgrims and scholars to explore its history. As it gains recognition across the world, its message remains timeless – a reminder of Christ’s presence and love for humanity. The enthronement of this sacred image at the National Centre for Padre Pio marks a new chapter in the devotion to “Il Volto Santo,” ensuring that its spiritual presence will continue to bless generations to come.
For more information on the enthronement of the relic at the National Centre for Padre Pio, email [email protected] or go to www.padrepio.org.
For more information about the Holy Face of Manoppello, email Tamara Klapatch, Director, Padre Domenico da Cese – Volto Santo, at [email protected], or go to https://www.padredomenico.org/.
By Nicholas Pio Salkowski, Director of Communications, National Centre for Padre Pio, Barto.
