April 8, 2025
By David J. Hilger, M.D.
Nearly 50 Catholic Medical Association members and medical students from Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa, gathered for the annual Lenten Day of Reflection hosted by the Father Flanagan (Omaha) Guild of the CMA. The March 8th event focused on the Shroud of Turin and was held at the University of Nebraska Omaha, St. John Paul II Neuman Center. After a morning Mass celebrated by Father Matthew Gutowski, past CMA national chaplain, and Guild Chaplain Fr. Flanagan, there was a social and presentation on the Shroud of Turin.
during a live presentation.
Jim Bertrand, M.Ed., member of the American Confraternity of the Holy Shroud, gave an hour presentation on the current science providing evidence of the authenticity of the Holy Shroud. Mr. Bertrand has given over 300 presentations in 30 states, as well as Canada and New Zealand. His presentation included a unique opportunity to see a full shroud replica, and a live demonstration of how the body was wrapped in the shroud.
Following this, Dr. David Hilger, radiologist and CMA National Vice-President, presented what is know of the science of the shroud image formation, which most likely was produced from some form of radiation.
Lastly, Dr. Steven Lazoritz gave an inspiring talk on his conversion journey from Judaism to Catholicism, and how a book on the Shroud of Turin influenced his conversion. He also realized, by the loving influence from his wife and an Irish pastor, that the predictions from Isaiah in the Old Testament, which he had memorized and loved as a young man, were fulfilled in the New Testament. Other conversion stories were shared and the attendees interacted during lively Q&A sessions following each talk.
Attendees were inspired by the profound reflections on the Passion of Christ revealed by the Shroud of Turin.
