Maria Valtorta, the Shroud of Turin … Science confronts the inexplicable
In the documentary Miracles, in theaters since April 10, director Pierre Parnerias conducts an in-depth investigation into three mysteries that remain scientifically unexplained: the Shroud of Turin, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the writings of Mary Valtorta. Stupendous.
It is a movie that will not fail to impress experts and novices alike. In his latest documentary entitled miraclesIn theaters since April 10, director Pierre Parnerias immerses viewers in a poignant investigation of three mysteries that remain scientifically unexplained: the famous Shroud of Turin, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the writings of Maria Valtorta. With subtlety and sensitivity, he enriches the dialogue between faith and reason by presenting these three mysterious phenomena to the eyes of researchers and scholars, including historian Jean-Christian Petitfels, illustrated Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) Barry Shortz, and specialist François-Michel Deproze.
What miracles are we talking about here? First there is the Shroud of Turin. The Holy Shroud is kept in Turin, and is one of the most important relics of Christ. First mentioned in 1357, it was exhibited in France for a long time, before being moved to Turin, where it has been kept since 1578. During its history, it has remarkably survived two fires and has continued to amaze the greatest historical and scientific experts.
Next comes the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. In 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, a lower-class Native Mexican American. Seeing the bishop’s disbelief, she asks Juan Diego to bring her roses. He complies, but when he opens his shirt, the flowers have disappeared, giving way to an image of the Virgin. This image, preserved intact, defies understanding by scholars.
The last miracle mentioned in Pierre Parnerias’ documentary is the writings of Maria Valtorta (1897-1961). This third degree of the Order of the Servants of Mary leads a life of prayer withdrawing from the world in her small town in Tuscany when she receives visions of the life of Jesus. Immersed in the scenes, she faithfully reproduces everything she sees and hears over nearly 9,000 pages. Even today, these texts continue to transform readers around the world because they are accurate and consistent: Researchers have studied the entire journey of Jesus and his disciples described in the works of Maria Valtorta. This includes about 500 stages spanning thousands of kilometres. Analysis reveals that everything matches: itineraries, daily distances, sunset and sunrise times, moon phases, adaptation of flights according to Saturdays, holidays, weather… So many mind-bending miracles or unexplained events that this documentary offers some answers about her .
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