Photo © Luis Montoto and María Mosquera
By Mark Guscin, B.A., M.Phil.
Copyright 1997
All Rights Reserved
Lithuanian Translation by Translate Team
Housed in the cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, is a revered relic—a piece of cloth measuring approximately 84 x 53 cm. Unlike the Shroud of Turin, this cloth bears no image, only stains visible to the naked eye, with additional details observable under a microscope. Tradition and scientific studies suggest that this cloth, known as the Sudarium of Oviedo, was used to cover and clean the face of Jesus after His crucifixion.
This cloth is referenced in the Gospel of John (Chapter 20, Verses 6-7), where it is described as a smaller face cloth distinct from the larger linen wrapping the body. The Sudarium's history is well-documented, particularly through the works of Bishop Pelagius of Oviedo in the 12th century, including the "Book of the Testaments of Oviedo" and the "Chronicon Regum Legionensium."
According to historical records, the Sudarium remained in Palestine until 614 when it was moved to avoid destruction during the Persian invasion led by King Chosroes II. It traveled first to Alexandria, then across North Africa, eventually reaching Spain via Cartagena. Welcomed by Bishop Fulgentius of Ecija, it was later entrusted to Bishop Leandro of Seville, who safeguarded it there for several years.
Under the care of Saint Isidore, bishop of Seville, and later Saint Ildefonso, bishop of Toledo, the Sudarium was transported to Toledo. To protect it from Muslim invaders in the early 8th century, it was moved north to a cave near Oviedo, now known as Monsacro. In 1075, King Alfonso VI officially opened the chest containing the Sudarium, confirming its contents. Since then, it has been housed in the cathedral's "Cámara Santa."
Extensive research on the Sudarium was conducted by the Investigation Team of the Spanish Centre for Sindonology, led by Guillermo Heras, with medical expertise provided by Dr. José Villalaín.
The analysis revealed that the cloth was folded over but not centrally, creating a fourfold stain pattern with decreasing intensity. The primary stains consist of one part blood and six parts fluid from pleural edema, suggesting the individual died in an upright position, consistent with crucifixion. These fluids likely exited through the nostrils due to jolting movements post-mortem.
Dr. Villalaín reconstructed the staining process using a specially modeled head, determining the time intervals between each stain. The cloth's positioning indicates the body was still on the cross when the Sudarium was placed, with subsequent stains forming as the body was taken down and moved.
Pollen analysis by Dr. Max Frei confirmed the Sudarium's historical journey, identifying species native to Oviedo, Toledo, North Africa, and Jerusalem. No traces were found linking it to Constantinople or other European regions. Additionally, residues of myrrh and aloes, mentioned in John 19:39-40, were detected.
Anthropological studies suggest the face had Jewish features, including a prominent nose and pronounced cheekbones. The cloth's preservation, despite lacking artistic or monetary value, further supports its authenticity.
Comparing the Sudarium with the Shroud of Turin reveals striking similarities. Both cloths contain AB-type blood, and the nose length—measured at eight centimeters—matches precisely. Overlaying the Shroud's facial image onto the Sudarium's stains shows exact alignment, particularly with the beard area.
A small stain near the mouth on the Sudarium corresponds to a faint mark on the Shroud, confirmed through advanced imaging techniques. Thorn wounds on the nape of the neck also align perfectly. Using the Polarized Image Overlay Technique, Dr. Alan Whanger identified seventy points of coincidence on the frontal side and fifty on the rear, reinforcing the conclusion that both cloths covered the same face.
The Sudarium lacks the dried blood stains visible on the Shroud, indicating it was used briefly before burial. Jewish tradition dictated covering disfigured faces, making it plausible the Sudarium was applied before the body was removed from the cross and discarded afterward. This aligns with John's gospel, which describes the Sudarium rolled up separately.
Scientific investigations into the Sudarium and its correlation with the Shroud of Turin provide compelling evidence that both artifacts were associated with the body of Jesus. The Sudarium's well-documented history supports its authenticity and offers valuable insights into the timeline surrounding the crucifixion and burial.
Photo © Luis Montoto and María Mosquera