Caldwell University
January 19, 2019
Caldwell University to Host Saint John’s Bible, a Gift of Sacred Art
Public invited to view Bible on campus
Visitors to Caldwell University will soon have the opportunity to experience a timeless gift of sacred art, the Saint John’s Bible, the first illuminated, handwritten Bible of monumental size to be created in more than 500 years.
It was commissioned by Benedictine Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and the creative director was Donald Jackson, senior scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office.
Beginning on Jan. 28, 2019, for one year, Caldwell will host the Heritage Edition of the Gospels and Acts volume of the Bible, a work of art that unites the ancient Benedictine tradition with today’s technology and vision.
The public is invited to a launch celebration 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, when Tim Ternes, the director of the Saint John’s Bible at the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, will present. A reception will follow. To RSVP go to https://www.caldwell.edu/thesaintjohnsbible
Groups are also invited to book visits during the year at thesaintjohnsbible@caldwell.edu or by calling Julie Kajouras at 973-618-3922.
Throughout the year, Caldwell will present programs and lectures in theology, art, history, science, music and more as they relate to the Bible. “We are looking forward to sharing the Saint John’s Bible with the campus community and with the wider community,” said Dr. Nancy Blattner, Caldwell University’s president. “The Bible will provide many opportunities for study and discussions. We hope that it will promote dialogue, inspire hope and educate.”
Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, along with Jackson and the team, produced the Bible to ignite the spiritual imagination of people throughout the world. Over a period of 15 years, Jackson and six calligraphers handwrote all 1,150 pages on approximately 300 sheets of calfskin vellum with more than 160 major illuminations. The work was done in a scriptorium in Wales. A Jewish scribe drew the Hebrew script. The translation of the Bible is the New Revised Standard Version.
The first volume released was presented to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in April 2008. He said, “This is a work of art … this is a great work of art … this is a work for eternity.”
The Heritage Edition is the only full-size limited signed and numbered fine art edition that will ever be produced. Each volume includes Jackson’s signature as its certificate of authenticity.
Other lectures during the year will include:
Wednesday, March 20, 2019, 11:00 a.m. – Dr. Marie Mullaney, Caldwell University professor of history, will present on “A Woman’s Bible for the 21st Century.”
Monday, April 8, 2019, 4:30 p.m. – Stephanie Pietros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, College of Mount St. Vincent, and Robert Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and religious studies, Mount St. Mary College, will present on “Oh Happy Fault, Errors in the Saint John’s Bible” as part of the Caldwell Department of Theology and Philosophy’s Sister Maura Campbell series.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Noon– Dr. Anton M. Koekemoer, research astrophysicist with the Hubble Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, will speak at Caldwell’s third annual Research and Creative Arts Day.
More lectures will be added.