Tens of thousands of visitors are expected in Trier between 23 April and 2 May; they will come to pay homage to the “holy tunic” that has been preserved in this German city for centuries. The event on its eighth anniversary is under the sign of the motto “Whoever finds me, finds life” (from the Book of Proverbs). The relic is kept in the cathedral, protected by a kind of invisible glass tent. The pilgrims who come to this ancient Roman city, this year too, will rest, as a sign of devotion, one hand on the glass that contains the unique relic: this should not be seen as a “magic gesture”, the organizers of the event underline. The official publications declare that “the events associated with the tunic of Christ represent a mixture of legend and tradition”: the “garment” is closely linked with the life of St. Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, who is known to have lived in Trier in the fourth century. During her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Helena is said to have received the tunic of Christ, which she then donated to the church in her city. On 1st May 1196, archbishop John consecrated the altar of the eastern choir of his cathedral, walling into it the relic of the tunic of Christ. The remains of the apostle Matthew also rest in the city.
