Holy Headdress of Christ carried in procession through streets of Cahors, France

Photo of the Sainte Coiffe during the ostension on April 27, 2019. 
Image: Jules-joseph.

As part of the celebration of 900 years of the Cahors Cathedral in Cahors, France, celebration ongoing through April, a precious relic was carried in procession through the streets of the city on Saturday, April 27: the Holy Headdress of Christ.

The Holy Headdress is recognized by tradition as the veil that covered the head of Jesus when he was buried. By one tradition, Charlemagne brought back the relic of Jerusalem and offered it to the diocese of Cahors. The relic has been venerated in Cahors since the construction of the cathedral 900 years ago.

The "Sainte Coiffe" got back into the streets of Cahors for the first time in nearly eight decades. The relic was carried in procession followed by, according to varying reports, nearly 2000 people, perhaps some hundreds more, in an event both for believers and curious. The procession made its way at the pace of hymns and prayers, through the narrow streets of the town, then on the banks of the Lot, and ended on the forecourt of the cathedral.

The event was sustained by the city of Cahors, the State of France, and the civil society, for which many people have invested themselves, including volunteers.
Other celebrations and other events have been planned in Cahors until December.