By Solène Tadié
Paris, France, Apr 24, 2025 / 11:00 am
A rare exhibit of the Holy Tunic of Christ — believed to be the garment worn by Jesus during his passion — is drawing unprecedented crowds to the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Argenteuil, a suburb of Paris.
Open to the public from April 18 to May 11, the exhibit is galvanizing Catholic faithful across Europe. More than 400,000 pilgrims are expected during the 23-day event — more than double the attendance of the previous exhibit in 2016.
Argenteuil, a city that has seen significant Muslim immigration in recent decades, now finds itself at the heart of a surprising spiritual resurgence.
To accommodate the historic influx of visitors, the Diocese of Pontoise — which oversees the basilica — has launched a large-scale logistical effort. The monument will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., with overnight access on the three Saturdays following Easter.
An educational and spiritual path accompanies pilgrims as they venerate the Holy Tunic, with several hundred trained volunteers assisting to guide the faithful and maintain a smooth flow of visitors.
The exhibit of the Holy Tunic opened on Good Friday, April 18, with a solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Benoît Bertrand of Pontoise, followed by a public Stations of the Cross procession through the streets of Argenteuil.
Exciting news is coming from the Diocese of Pontoise as plans are underway to exhibit the Holy Tunic of Argenteuil in 2025. This sacred relic, considered one of the most precious in Christendom, has a rich history dating back to the fourth century. According to tradition, it was discovered by St. Helena and later gifted to Charlemagne, eventually finding its way to the Benedictine nuns of the Argenteuil abbey.
The Holy Tunic has only been publicly displayed twice in the 20th century, drawing large crowds and providing believers with a unique opportunity to reflect on the passion of Christ. Father Guy-Emmanuel Cariot, the rector of the basilica where the relic is kept, emphasizes the spiritual significance of the event, stating that the encounter with the Holy Tunic allows individuals to delve into the mystery of redemption.
While debates over its authenticity persist, the air of mystery surrounding the tunic only serves to deepen its veneration among the faithful. Historian Jean-Christian Petitfils, in his book “La sainte tunique d’Argenteuil: Authentique relique de la Passion du Christ,” argues in favor of the relic’s authenticity, pointing to both scientific testing and historical evidence.
