Holy Robe Pilgrimage 2012
"... and join together what is asunder"
The Trier Diocese invites pilgrims to the Holy Robe Pilgrimage to Trier April 13th – May 13th, 2012. It is then that for the first time since 1996 the Holy Robe can be seen in Trier Cathedral. An additional cultural programme including art projects, concerts and exhibitions will be organized before and during the time of the pilgrimage.
The Holy Robe, the Tunic of Jesus Christ, is the most precious relic of Trier Cathedral. Here it is kept in a shrine so that the garment cannot be viewed. The robe is shown to the public very seldom and only on the occasion of Holy Robe Pilgrimages. In the last century such pilgrimages took place three times only: in 1996, in 1959 and in 1933. The pilgrims to Trier coming from all over the world numbered 700,000 at the pilgrimage in 1996.
The history of the Holy Robe is based on some intermingling of legends and traditions. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, is said to have brought it to Trier in the 4th century.
The occasion for the Holy Robe Pilgrimage in 2012 dates back to a historic event: in 1512 Emperor Maximilian I attended the Imperial Diet at Trier. On his demand the Holy Robe was taken from its resting-place in the main altar of the cathedral where the relic had remained un-seen and untouched for centuries. When the people heard of the relic they – in some kind of ‘grass roots movement’ – victoriously fought for the first public showing and thus for the first Holy Robe Pilgrimage.
Since that day 500 years ago millions of pilgrims have come to the Holy Robe. In all eras from the past to the present day they have hoped for new impulses for their lives. Christian men and women, believers and seekers, the convinced as well as doubters – they all are united in reflecting on their belief and feeling certain of having taken part in an outstanding event.
Opening hours of the Tourist Information Trier during the pilgrimage 2012
from March 1 to April 30: Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
from May 1 to October 31: Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.