Cardinal Burke Endorses Realistic Turin Crucifix
BOSTON, MA−For centuries, artists have rendered the scene of Good Friday, creating crucifixes of various styles and materials. But there’s never been one quite like the new Turin Crucifix.
The Turin Crucifix is the creation of Mark Fisher, retired engineer and founder of Ernest Works, Inc. He collaborated with artists worldwide to produce the most accurate crucifix based on details from the Shroud of Turin, other Relics of Christ’s Passion, recent archeological discoveries, and revelations to saints and mystics. Cardinal Raymond Burke has issued an endorsement of the crucifix, calling it a “striking representation of Our Lord’s Passion and Death.”
The Turin Crucifix renders His Holy Face and wounds as accurately as possible—down to the geometry of the nails used and even the angle at which the thorns may have struck His skull. Fisher has conducted experiments to demonstrate the plausibility of this rendering. Each lifelike detail rejects sentimentality and plays a role in the 19-inch sculpture’s realistic depiction of Christ’s suffering.
Every Turin Crucifix is individually hand-painted. It can be displayed in the included Rock Mount or detached and wall-hung. The crucifix is packaged and distributed by the Sisters of St. Benedict Center.
In his endorsement, Cardinal Burke emphasizes that the realism of the crucifix enhances the viewer’s concentration on Christ’s Passion, writing that it “invites deeper meditation upon the sufferings of Our Lord and the price of our sins. Its careful attention to the Wounds of Christ and to the Instruments of the Passion serves to foster in the heart a greater love for Our Savior and gratitude for His unfathomable mercy.”
“I pray that those who contemplate the Turin Crucifix may be led to a renewed devotion to the Sacred Passion, and through it, to an ever-deeper union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
– Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
Turin Crucifix by Mark Fisher
Fisher has written an accompanying book, Turin Crucifix, outlining the elements that give this sculpture its authenticity and originality. He provides explanations of the scientific and artistic significance of each relic and discovery incorporated in the creation of the crucifix. Sample pages are available here.
- The book won an Honorable Mention Award in the 2025 Catholic Media Association Book Awards for Faith and Science.
- Bishop McManus (Diocese of Worcester) granted it an Imprimatur in 2023.
About Mark Fisher
Mark Fisher is an award-winning author, speaker, and creator of the Turin Crucifix. He is also a retired engineer who has worked on projects related to the U.S. Defense. Fisher holds undergraduate degrees in Nuclear Engineering Technology (Hartford St. Technical College) and Mechanical Engineering (Worcester Polytechnic Institute) as well as graduate degrees in both Advanced Manufacturing and Business Administration (WPI).
Fisher has a keen interest in the Turin Shroud and recently earned a post-graduate certificate in Shroud Studies from the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome. Fisher has spoken at parishes, schools, and convents about the Turin Crucifix, the Shroud of Turin, and the Relics of Christ’s Passion.
He was a presenter at the 2025 Shroud of Turin International Conference & Symposium in St. Louis, speaking on Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Fisher also has a deep devotion to St. Joan of Arc. His one-act play about Joan of Arc, Sent by God, is available for production at Catholic schools and organizations at no cost.
Fisher is currently involved with the restoration of life-size marble and granite Stations of the Cross and lives in the Boston area with his family.
Learn more about the Turin Crucifix and its creation at Ernest Works, Inc.
The Turin Crucifix and accompanying book can be purchased from:
Publicist Christina Sabo welcomes media interviews, image requests, and other inquiries about the Turin Crucifix. Contact media@palomaandfig.com or 478-663-0069.
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