Upon arriving in Turin, the Prelate went directly to the Cathedral to pray before the Holy Shroud. He was accompanied by Msgr. Fernando Ocariz, Vicar General of Opus Dei, and Matteo Fabbri, Vicar of Opus Dei in Italy.
Like the thousands of pilgrims who have come to pray before the image during the 44 days of public viewing, the Prelate first watched a short film about its history. He then spent some minutes in prayer before the Holy Shroud.
After his visit, Bishop Echevarría wrote some words in the guest book: “With deep gratitude, I pray for all the people in this beloved city, and I unite myself to the intentions of the Bishop of this diocese and to the intentions of all the authorities.”
Before leaving the cathedral, he thanked the woman in charge of the volunteers for welcoming him so warmly and for all their efforts to make the exhibit successful. He also spent a few minutes with a group of diocesan priests who had come there to see him. The Prelate urged them to be apostolic each day, to seek vocations for the seminary and to often consider the greatness of their priestly vocation.
In the afternoon, Bishop Echevarría had a chance to speak with several groups of people of Opus Dei and their friends who take part in the means of Christian formation offered by the Prelature in Turin and in other nearby towns.
Referring to the words that are read to the people waiting in line to pray before the Shroud, the Prelate said that our Lord suffered greatly for us, and that now we have the duty to spread this news to others. “Nevertheless, we also have to possibility of frustrating God’s omnipotence, when we don’t treat our Lord well, who wants to serve us, who offers you his hand to help you, who tells you: Take heart, be faithful! ”
He also had a chance to speak with a group of students. He encouraged them to be faithful and apostolic, so that the people in Turin who are striving to find God can be helped to do so through their friendship.
Official website for showing of Shroud (link to English site)