imageFrom the Facebook page of James Randi, famed magician, arch-skeptic of all things supernatural and mentor to Joe Nickell, we have this picture and accompanying text:

I just returned from a great trip to Italy, and this time I was there when the fabulous "Shroud of Turin" was again being displayed to the eagerly gullible. Massimo took me to see it.

This huge rag — so thoroughly and authoritatively discredited by experts as even originating during the life of Christ — was guarded every 15 feet or so by garishly-costumed volunteers who glowered at me, perhaps because I so resembled a rabbi, but since the terrain was very bumpy I was given a wheelchair and was thereby had a very close-up view of the relic. In fact, I sat immediately beneath it, but found that I was far more fascinated by the hushed faithful who stood in reverent silence before it as the commentary droned on.

I must thank Roberta Baria for taking many photos and keeping me company. It was the first time I’d had a chance to see this fascinating object. and so very up close. I found the experience very interesting indeed…