They say The Saint John’s Bible is a conversation. Well, if Donald Jackson started the conversation, Carol Marrin is the one who facilitated it.   “Carol was the person who took all of the puzzle pieces and put them together,” said Tim Ternes, Director of… Read More

On March 5, 2025, Lent began once again. Thus commenced a new season of reflection, sacrifice, and service that guides Christians across the world into the new life of the resurrection.   There are many ways to celebrate Lent, such as fasting, service, worship, and prayer. While we… Read More

The Lenten season, in all its emotional complexity, calls us toward one another. The themes of betrayal, death and then redemption and new life – are more than enough for one person to hold.   That’s why we at the Heritage Program would like to offer that you… Read More

Durham, North Carolina – A soft afternoon light illuminated Duke Divinity School’s Chapel on the day that Dr. Ellen Davis gave a sermon to celebrate and bless the School’s new Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible. “Beauty is a matter of urgency when it is summoned in the service… Read More

Dallas, Texas – The wonderful thing about fundamentally good art, is it tends to multiply upon itself. Songs inspire paintings inspire films inspire writing inspire sculptures. What feels like the end of a project to one artist is a seed of inspiration – just the beginning – to… Read More

Washington, D.C. – Inspiration stirred, friends reunited, and big red books abounded at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) 2025 Annual Meeting.   This year’s meeting ran from January 31, 2025 to February 3, 2025 and took place at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington,… Read More

New York City, New York – On December 23,  2024, NBC’s Today Show featured… Read More

Any place can be a sacred space. Everything is God’s creation – a bird’s nest, a piano bench, a manger, or even a football field.   This illumination from The Saint John’s Bible envisions God, represented by gold… Read More

If you’ve been looking for new (virtual) ways to explore The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition, look no further than The Saint John’s Bible YouTube channel.   The channel hosts a new video playlist, “How the Heritage Editions are Being Used” that features videos… Read More

Linda Lovas Hoeschler is the match and the striker. She is an endless well of ignition. She has spent her life nurturing the world around her, from personally commissioning music to financially supporting those struggling across the sea to leading the boards of some of the nation’s most prolific… Read More

Birth of Christ, Donald Jackson, © 2002 The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used with permission. All rights reserved. In December of each year, Christians recount the story of the Birth of Christ. Familiar images of the Virgin Mary in a lonely manger with the… Read More

Mitchell, South Dakota – For the entirety of her life, Donna “Muffy” Christen read her Bible every morning. And she didn’t just read it, she wrote all over it. Her personal Bible grew in size each time she read another page because she would stuff it with Post-it notes to… Read More

Northfield, Minnesota – Over the past several decades, but in recent years especially, religiously-affiliated colleges and universities across the United States have grappled with an important question: How can we remain rooted in the Christian tradition while honoring and engaging the religious traditions of all students and faculty… Read More

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – Bridget Ker is perhaps one of the most astoundingly dedicated advocates for sharing The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition as it lives today.   Ker is the Coordinator of The Saint John’s Bible and Archives Technician for Bishop Farrell… Read More

Ken and Jackie Krebs gifted a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible to Duke University in October of 2024. In a heartfelt speech given at the University’s service in celebration of the gift, Ken shares the reason and story behind this gift.   We invite… Read More

If you look very closely at the Last Judgment illumination in The Saint John’s Bible, you’ll find a special motif that might just give away the artist’s identity. In the lower right-hand corner of the Dome of Heaven, there is a barely noticeable patch of delphiniums. The average reader might… Read More

The Heritage Program is thrilled to announce that eight institutions across the world have acquired editions of The Saint John’s Bible in the fall of 2024. In addition to new placements at Durham Cathedral, St. David’s Cathedral, and The Royal Library at Windsor Castle in early September,… Read More

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK – St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, New York received a rare, full-size Apostles Edition of The Saint John’s Bible in honor of His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York. The gift of the Apostles Edition was received and blessed in a… Read More

London, England – Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla have accepted the gift of a rare, full-size, seven-volume Heritage Edition set of The Saint John’s Bible. The seven-volume set now resides in the Royal Library within Windsor Castle. A Dedication page was added to the first volume… Read More

As is only possible when looking back on an experience, I can say with great confidence that this latest adventure with The Saint John’s Bible was even more intriguing and meaningful than I expected—and my expectations were very high.    But first, a bit of context… Read More

Susan Sink, the author of The Art of The Saint John’s Bible: A Complete Reader’s Guide, among other works, passed away in August 2024 after years of living with ovarian cancer. Sink’s work touched many lives across the world, and especially those in the Saint Benedict and Saint… Read More

Every great piece of art needs a showrunner. This is one of the most multifaceted, technically and artistically challenging jobs in the world. For every logistical detail executed flawlessly, there are infinite artistic inclinations that brought that detail to life with the utmost precision. It takes exacting material finesse… Read More

As the final weeks of summer fade and autumn invites us to sink back into our routines, many parishes, academic institutions, and organizations of all kinds are beginning to make plans for the fall semester of life.   To help you reignite your programming regarding The Saint… Read More

When Rob Culligan addressed a gathering of people who worked on The Saint John’s Bible and the Heritage Edition on April 26, 2013, it was a momentous occasion – printing of the 299 Heritage Edition sets of The Saint John’s Bible had just been completed. This was an endeavor… Read More

On a windy November day in the final years of the 20th century, renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson and Father Eric Hollas, OSB of Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota sat in a Chicago restaurant during the lunch hour. The pair had just finished a joint presentation on calligraphy at… Read More

Tallahassee, Florida — Community is fundamentally about shared space — physical, emotional and spiritual. It’s the bond that forms among people and their surroundings that fosters mutual understanding and support. The connection bridging one’s gaze and the vellum pages of The Saint John’s Bible embodies this space, capturing one’s attention… Read More

Through its intersection of faith, art, and academia, the Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible inspires deep reverence and scholarly enrichment in students, scholars, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community of any college or university.  Printed on cotton, hand-bound in Italian calfskin leather,… Read More

The methods of crafting the ink used in The Saint John’s Bible, the first manuscript commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in more than 500 years, prove the phrase true: Everything old is, in fact, new again.  The question of what material would be best to… Read More

Dayton, Ohio — Universities are places with buzz. Campuses are homes to sports games, festivals, and young minds from all kinds of backgrounds with their eyes open, noses in books, discussing all types of theories, issues and concepts, learning some of the lessons that will allow… Read More

As the days grow warmer, it’s once again time for books to come off the shelves. After all, there’s nothing better than laying a blanket on a plush plot of grass and venturing into the world of the mind’s eye. The summer season offers the perfect backdrop for letting… Read More

He was barely 40 years old when he died, yet every practicing Catholic knows his name and can likely recite one of his well-known quotes or tell one of the many compelling stories from his life.  Born to wealthy merchants Pietro and Pica Bernardone, his baptismal name was Giovanni but… Read More

Scottsdale, Arizona — In times of both strife and joy, many people turn to spirituality to find their path forward. At the Franciscan Renewal Center, affectionately referred to as “The Casa,” leaders of spiritual thought who aid in this work are in abundance. Centered in the concept of renewal, leaders… Read More

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Those who are lucky enough to be in the orbit of Michael O’Connell, retired Rector at The Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, know that he is a man who embodies integrity. He lives his ethos every day with his unrelenting commitment to community aid and… Read More

Ancient texts endure the passage of time due to deliberate craftsmanship and the meticulous tools employed during their creation, underscoring the rationale behind their resilience. Even so, while The Saint John’s Bible was completed in contemporary times and stands as a modern masterpiece, its production mirrors methods from centuries past… Read More

Our guest writer is Fr. Eric Hollas, OSB, Prior of Saint John’s Abbey.  Fr. Eric is the person to whom Donald Jackson originally brought the idea of creating The Saint John’s Bible.  Since that infamous meeting in 1995, Fr. Eric has tirelessly worked to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – The year was 1996 and big things were stirring behind the scenes at Saint John’s University and Abbey. The idea was ambitious: to create a contemporary, handwritten, illuminated Bible that would eventually be known as The Saint John’s Bible. For a project as monumental as… Read More

Salisbury, England — At Sarum College, a theological college with Renaissance-era ancestry located in Salisbury, England, the Written Word of God stands at the center of academic life and the college’s mission to nourish the human spirit. So, naturally, when the news came that a Heritage Edition set of… Read More

Canterbury, Kent, England – The Gospel was proclaimed from a Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible during Canterbury Cathedral’s Easter Sunday eucharist. If you are located in the U.S., you can watch the full service, here. If you are located in the United Kingdom, you can… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – Finding a physical space for spiritual connection is just as important as creating that space within oneself. Spaces of this sort allow people to bring their whole selves into the equation. Especially for contemplative seekers, finding a sacred place to pause one’s rhythm, find rest,… Read More

Eventually, we all face this question: What was the impact of my life? Did I leave the world a better place than I found it?  Some take their last breath not knowing the answer to that question.   And there are others who actively push themselves… Read More

Heritage Edition sets of The Saint John’s Bible were made to be touched, held, paged-through, interacted with, and loved. Tim Ternes, Director of The Saint John’s Bible program at Hill Museum & Manuscript Library at Saint John’s University can’t emphasize that enough. The Heritage Edition… Read More

When asked to write about my experiences with the Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible, I am always hopeful that my muses will kick in and offer me a creative theme to use in structuring my thoughts.  Sometimes the inspiration will appear in the form of a catchy title. … Read More

Wondering what the Heritage Program is up to? Reference the list below to see where The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program is off to ignite spiritual imaginations next. Events with Heritage Program August 14-18, 2023: Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago, IL September 20, 2023:… Read More

Rochester, Minnesota – In spaces that inhabit both the healed… Read More

margin (mar·​gin)  NOUN 1: the part of a page or sheet outside the main body of printed or written matter 2: a spare amount or measure or degree allowed or given for contingencies or special situations You wouldn’t drive 65 miles per hour on Interstate Highway 94 with your front bumper only… Read More

On February 14, many communities of faith began the season of Lent – 40 days dedicated to preparing for Easter Sunday, which will occur on Sunday, March 31, 2024.  In one such circumstance, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lent offers… Read More

Permanently embedded along the rock face of Monte Taleo near Subiaco, Italy, the Sanctuary of Sacro Speco has remained a holy place of worship since the… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition was never meant to be held by one person. Each volume stands at two feet tall and three feet wide when open, making it nearly as tall, or taller than, half of most human bodies. This makes holding all seven volumes by oneself extremely… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – One’s first encounter with The Saint John’s Bible is truly a defining experience. Whether it happens by plan or by chance, there is no denying the impact that The Saint John’s Bible can leave on those who open up their hearts and minds to experiencing it. For… Read More

January 18th, 2024 – The Womb of Benedictine Monasticism: Subiaco, Italy  This morning at the Sacro Speco (Sacred Cave) high above Subiaco, Italy…a small miracle unfolded before our eyes. There must have been one million birds flying in over the hills of Subiaco in murmuration.  … Read More

The Heritage Program had much to celebrate in 2023. In just the past 12 months… Eight institutions or individuals welcomed a Heritage Edition and two new institutions welcomed an Apostles Edition into their faith communities or homes;   Thousands participated in various stops on the Dedication Tour to England… Read More

Dallas, Texas – It was Nelson Mandela who said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”    The question of how best to care for and nourish our children’s souls has evolved over the… Read More

This article is the second installation in a two-part series telling the story of the 25th Anniversary Dedication Tour. Click here to read part I.   England, United Kingdom – At 4:45 p.m. on November 8th, 2023, a group of 50 artists, theologians, and… Read More

Printed on cotton, hand-bound in Italian calfskin leather, and limited to just 299 seven-volume sets, The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition is a rare masterwork, possessed of the same breathtaking power to ignite the spiritual imagination as the original manuscript, which was completed over an 11-year period. Read More

Hand-written, illuminated manuscripts from medieval times are the precursors of The Saint John’s Bible.  Most of them were never finished and many of the medieval Bible manuscripts we enjoy today are missing pages or entire sections—such as the Winchester Bible, upon which Donald Jackson based the design… Read More

Most religions are brimming with symbols, rituals, and vestments but few so much as the Anglican tradition.  From mitres to bedazzled stoles; from burning incense to processional crosses — Anglicans know how to do high church like few others.  The “smells and bells” are a… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program is celebrating 25 years since Saint John’s Abbey and University commissioned Donald Jackson, world-renowned calligrapher and scribe to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to serve as Artistic Director over the creation of The Saint John’s Bible. The anniversary has… Read More

England, United Kingdom – It is Sunday, November 5th at 10:30 a.m. in Salisbury, England. There is still morning dew on the grass outside of Salisbury Cathedral, and the energy inside the building’s walls is palpable. The Service of the Holy Eucharist is about to commence, and the… Read More

Nearly two days have passed since I processed out of Washington National Cathedral’s Great Choir at the conclusion of this past Sunday’s Choral Evensong. During this special service, a rare Apostles Edition of The Saint John’s Bible was presented and dedicated “to be set apart for the service of Christ’s… Read More

Washington, D.C. – There are – and only ever will be – 12 Apostles Editions of The Saint John’s Bible to ever exist. Due to the historic and long-lasting nature of an Apostles Edition,  communities that welcome this canonical work of sacred art and scripture into their lives… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – 10 years. 20 years. 100 years. 500 years from now, the original manuscript of The Saint John’s Bible will most likely be bound in leather, to outlast the wearing of time. Imbued with care, the work was delicately crafted, written on calfskin vellum… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – At 7 p.m. on October 5th, 2023, students, professors, and staff from Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict gathered in community to celebrate the Word of God in The Saint John’s Bible.   The principal organizer for the event,… Read More

International Space Station, 248 miles above Earth’s surface – Far away from the familiar green, gold and brown hues of Mother Earth’s palm, astronaut Mark Vande Hei lays in a near-fetal position with his knees pressed to his chest. He is a co-pilot on a small, Russian spacecraft… Read More

Portland, Oregon – People often experience art and faith in similar ways. Both ignite a sense of spiritual awareness and creativity within oneself. The Saint John’s Bible is no exception, inviting seekers to explore faith from a new perspective.   One illumination from… Read More

Seattle, Washington – Though it’s not something we consider often, there are many different kinds of understanding in this world. Some ways of understanding live in the mind, as logic and reason do. And then there’s that other kind – that kind of wisdom that lives… Read More

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to ONE of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.  (Matthew 25:40) An often-forgotten word in scripture is the word “one” from the passage above.  Frequently I hear people quote this passage saying,… Read More

This summer, The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program has completed some exciting updates to its website in an effort to expand its vision of igniting the spiritual imagination of communities across the world. Summers can get pretty busy for a lot of folks, so if you haven’t noticed some of… Read More

Coon Rapids, Minnesota – The year is 2006, and, unbeknownst to the world at large, some of the world’s greatest artists, calligraphers, and printers have come together to discuss what would become one of the greatest artistic and technological endeavors of the new millennium: reproducing 299 full-scale, true-to-form renditions of… Read More

Chicago, Illinois – Attendees from all around the world gathered together between August 14-18 at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions to “answer a call to conscience.” This year, The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program attended the Convening as a sponsor, hosting a booth where three volumes were… Read More

Without realizing it, the rhythm of my childhood was centered around the Catholic liturgical schedule: Mass at 8 am every Sunday, preparing for the annual Christmas concert in elementary school, no meat on Fridays during Lent, and Holy Days of Obligation. More often than not, I had a Catholic hymn… Read More

Essex, Connecticut – It was no surprise to The Reverend Kate Wesch how quickly her congregation at St. John’s Episcopal Church connected with The Saint John’s Bible. Located along the Connecticut shoreline, halfway between New York City and Boston, Essex is an area filled with art museums,… Read More

San Antonio, Texas – When experiencing conflict between friends, colleagues, or even internal conflict within one’s self, help can sometimes feel hard to come by. It is not often that there is a designated person to turn to for support or even a space to explore the emotions involved. This… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible harbors a generous mission “to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world.” With 118 locations across the United States, every day, year-in, and year-out, the unique experience of The Saint John’s Bible is connecting with people and their communities far and wide. How The… Read More

Dear friends and stewards of the Heritage Program, My travels this past month did not include any official “Bible Business” but rather some personal trips that added up to nearly 3,000 miles and 40 hours of windshield time.  I love road trips—alone on business, with family for special occasions, or… Read More

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1) We were all together in one place the first (and last) time.  There was a palpable spirit among us and many different languages were spoken — yet all understood.  Amazed and astonished, we came… Read More

Boise, Idaho – When a patient enters a hospital in need of medical support, they are more than a body in need of healing. They are also a soul, an ever-evolving consciousness, and somebody’s loved one. Just as the meaning of The Saint John’s Bible itself is greater than the… Read More

University Park, Texas – There is a power in witnessing two of the most sacred historical texts side by side in one single glance. The vibrant pages of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition’s illumination titled “Vision of New Jerusalem,” resting open beside the fragile, sepia-toned pages of… Read More

Saint Joseph, Minnesota – On June 4th, 2023, Sister Karen Rose was officially installed as the 18th prioress of Saint Benedict’s Monastery in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. The installation, which occurred at the monastery’s historic Sacred Heart Chapel, marked the beginning of Sister Karen’s six-year term as prioress. Read More

Dear friends and stewards of the Heritage Program, Welcome to our new monthly e-newsletter, Sharing the Word! We’re excited to bring you this compilation of the ways The Saint John’s Bible continues to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world. Here’s what you can expect to find… Read More

England, United Kingdom – In honor of the 25th anniversary of the commissioning of The Saint John’s Bible, the Heritage Program is announcing a pilgrimage through some of the most renowned Anglican institutions across England. It is only appropriate that the tour takes… Read More

Collegeville, Minnesota – Since it was commissioned 25 years ago, The Saint John’s Bible has touched millions of people around the world. Completed in 2011, it inspires. It heals. And, to its original intent, it brings people together. It’s this spirit – the spirit of bringing people together – that… Read More

Malibu, California – Quietly walking into Stauffer Chapel with the gentle morning sun to their backs, Good Friday worshipers at Pepperdine University held an array of feelings in their hearts. Good Friday is a day of tension for modern worshippers, balancing the deep feelings of grief that come… Read More

Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, Texas, is home to many artistic treasures. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its Tiffany stained-glass windows are a testament to its renown. Among the treasures are the seven volumes of the Heritage Edition of  The Saint John’s Bible, which the congregation received… Read More

Jonathan Homrighausen with The Saint John’s Bible. Jonathan Homrighausen, a doctoral candidate in Hebrew Bible at Duke University, has recently released his second book, Planting Letters and Weaving Lines. The book illuminates how the beauty and artistry of the calligraphy in The Saint John’s Bible’s handwritten Scripture elevates the rich… Read More

The Right Reverend John Klassen, OSB, PhD, has many roles as abbot of Saint John’s Abbey. One such role, aided by the help of The Saint John’s Bible illuminations: inspiring epiphanies. Leading retreats on the Saint John’s campus for any interested parties has allowed him to watch participants suddenly view… Read More

I never met Pope Benedict, but it was just as well. I would not have known what to say, and so I was more than content to know him as most people did — from afar. However, I did participate in one conversation with the scholar-pope, though it came indirectly… Read More

Dear Friends, On behalf of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program, we wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a healthy new year. We offer this brief video reflection as a reminder that we are all part of one human family—God’s beloved family. And as we see in the… Read More

This week Christians light the Shepherd candle symbolizing the JOY the world experienced with the birth of Jesus. We hear the word joy often during Advent in both scripture and song. The shepherds received good news of great joy and—then and now—it resounds around us. Among our Stewards spreading joy… Read More

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.  (John 1:5)   I was born in Bethlehem… (wait for it) …Pennsylvania.  June 5, 1967. On that day, two significant things happened that impacted millions of people: 1. Darkness—there was a massive power outage on the… Read More

Advent Greetings, “For unto us a child is born…” What comes to mind when you read these words from the Prophet Isaiah?  There are many possibilities… Perhaps you are among the minority of Christians who attend worship on Christmas Day, when Isaiah 9:2-7 is… Read More

Whoever said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover…” never met the Heritage Edition of The Saint John’s Bible, or the amazing people who bind this rare and wonderful work of sacred art. The binding, case, and box of the Heritage Edition are nothing short of a masterpiece—handmade with love… Read More

On a Monday night in October during midterms, the University of Portland came alive with the sound of jazz. Over 100 students, faculty, and staff gathered to and hear musicians perform their original compositions inspired by The Saint John’s Bible illuminations. “I think a few people were kind of surprised… Read More

During August 2022, we took steps to more fully understand your engagement with The Saint John’s Bible to help us continue our mission to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world. We asked friends and Stewards to share thoughts and ideas about the Heritage Program through a short… Read More

Dear Friends, It is with deep gratitude and joy that I offer this mid-year update on the Heritage Program of The Saint John’s Bible. I’m pleased to report good news in virtually every area of our mission: to ignite the spiritual imagination of people around the world of all faith… Read More

The parallels between a college graduation ceremony and a church service are unmistakable: the ritualized order of events, the regalia, and the use of music and spoken word to convey the importance of the proceedings all speak to the power and reverence of these important events. The connection between the… Read More

Wheaton College seized a special opportunity for collaboration, discovery, and celebration when the grand opening of their Armerding Center for Music and the Arts aligned with the joyful return of students, faculty, and the community to campus in the fall of 2021. And it was grand. A full year of… Read More

Dear Friends & Stewards of The Heritage Edition, We have made our way through the season of Lent creating a “Margin of Grace” with help from The Saint John’s Bible.  Now we are in Holy Week and today is Maundy Thursday—the day we remember Jesus’ mandate that we love one… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 6: The Raising of Lazarus: Donald Jackson’s illumination of John 11:1-57 offers a stark visual contrast between the powers of darkness and death on the one hand, and the powers of light and new life on the other.   For an additional “Margin” experience:… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 5: Valley of the Dry Bones: Donald Jackson’s rendering of Ezekiel 37: 1-14 re-imagines the gap between the ways humans have invented to crush both one another and the earth and the Divine promise never to be parted from us.   For an additional “Margin” experience:… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 4: Suffering Servant: Donald Jackson’s searing illumination of Isaiah 52-53 in which the Suffering Servant portrayed echoes Jesus’s own silence as he is led to his accusers, tormentors, and eventually to his executioners.   For an additional “Margin” experience: “Visio Divina” Week 4:… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 3: Out of the Whirlwind He Will Wipe Away Every Tear: Thomas Ingmire’s illumination based on Job 38-42, is set to the music, “Resume” composed by Alex Hastings, and performed by the University of Portland Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Rebekah Hanson. The music was inspired… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 2: Elisha and the Six Miracles: Based on 2 Kings 4-6, Donald Jackson and Aidan Hart illuminate Elisha–dressed in the green robes of a priest–foreshadowing Jesus’s own miracles pf providing people’s essential needs: food, drink, healing, wholeness.   For an additional “Margin” experience:… Read More

“Moment of Beauty” Week 1: Creation: Genesis 1:1-2, 4a. As we enter Lent, Donald Jackson’s illumination may remind us that God’s plan is the salvation of the entire created world.   For an additional “Margin” experience: “Visio Divina” Week 1: Suffering Servant: A visual contemplation of Isaiah… Read More

Margins on a page are something that we can easily take for granted. But margins are what makes it possible for us to fully appreciate the thousands of columns of script and the hundreds of fantastic illuminations that lie between them in The Saint John’s Bible. Similarly, intentionally creating space… Read More

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”  In October 2020, the Benedictine community of Christ the King Priory, in Schuyler, Nebraska, blessed The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition in their St. Benedict Center, described as “an oasis of peace open to guests of all faiths.” The… Read More

Dear Friend, It is my honor to greet you and to wish you and yours a blessed holiday season! For 30 years of pastoral ministry, a member of my family or I read the words of John 1:1-5 at the close every Christmas Eve service. In that spirit, I hope you’ll… Read More

In this engaging video, St. Luke’s Parish in Darien, Connecticut, celebrates their profound experience during A Year With The Saint John’s Bible program. Read More

“There’s a saying at Saint. John’s that we have irreplaceable people, but they need to be replaced,” says Rob Culligan, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. So, when Jim Triggs announced he was leaving his position as the Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition Program after 13 years… Read More

Many retirees plan to spend their newfound leisure time golfing or gardening. But for Maureen and Kevin Crawford, an encounter with The Saint John’s Bible sparked inspiration for some very different plans. The couple has undertaken a unique project to share the Heritage Edition with clergy members and other friends… Read More

At the Fish Interfaith Center at Chapman University, one can participate in a Catholic Mass, enjoy a luncheon with Latter-day Saints, or use the wudu station for ablution before Islamic prayer. The Interfaith Center is just one element of the diversity and inclusion that has been celebrated… Read More

Father Eric Hollas, OSB, recalls his first conversation with Donald Jackson about what would become The Saint John’s Bible. The year was 1995, and the two had just given a joint presentation on calligraphy at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Over lunch, Jackson raised “his life’s ambition, which was to… Read More

June 18, 2011, was a historic day for The Saint John’s Bible—the date that the final crosses were embossed on the page and the work of the Bible’s creators was complete. Now, on the tenth anniversary of that day, members of the Saint John’s community are looking back in reflection… Read More

What does an endowment mean for a church, and how can churches be the best stewards of their resources far into the future? Since the foundation of the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes in 1985, the organization has broadened its focus beyond traditional endowments to recognize that different kinds of… Read More

In a livestreamed event on April 8, London’s famous St. Martin-in-the-Fields church was host to a performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” complemented by projections of illuminations from The Saint John’s Bible on the church’s iconic east window. Those who missed the live event still have the opportunity to… Read More

Followers of The Saint John’s Bible who are looking to extend their Easter celebrations this year have a special event to look forward to on Thursday, April 8. On that date, London’s famous St. Martin-in-the-Fields church will be the site of a streaming online performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” complemented by projections of… Read More

How do contemporary Christians understand Jesus’ resurrection? What is the nature of Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after the crucifixion and resurrection, and what do these appearances mean? Also, is Jesus coming back? If so, will he come back in a historical body? In her book Jesus Risen in our… Read More

Developed by the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, this six-unit series allows you to explore the beauty and tradition of illuminated manuscripts, and unpack several illuminations from The Saint John’s Bible along with the Scripture passages they depict. You’ll also learn how to pray with Scripture and art… Read More

Today is National Handwriting Day. To help celebrate the day, the Star Tribune was very gracious in publishing an op-ed written by Jim Triggs, executive director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program.  We hope you enjoy it.  (Please click the link below.) Human Touch Endures in… Read More

For the 2020 edition of Christmas Illuminated, we invited students at Visitation High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, to reflect on Donald Jackson’s Birth of Christ illumination in the Gospels and Acts volume of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition. Given all that has happened in 2020, these young voices of… Read More

On its website, the Benedictine community of Christ the King Priory, in Schuyler, Nebraska, refers to their St. Benedict Center as “an oasis of peace open to visitors of all faiths.” Thanks to the generosity of Allen and Vivian Hager, this invitation “to all” makes the retreat center the perfect home… Read More

The Illuminate Series was launched in two parts on Thursday, September 24, 2020. Part one is a presentation Tim Ternes, director of The Saint John’s Bible, gave at Wayzata Community Church on Friday, September 18, 2020, in Wayzata, Minnesota. Working with a small group from five Twin Cities churches, Tim… Read More

The Heritage Program is excited to announce its new Illuminate Series.  This online lecture and webinar program allows Saint John’s and other institutions to share the best practices of using The Saint John’s Bible in academics, worship, healthcare, fine arts, and community outreach. Our first featured speaker is Tim Ternes.  Tim is the director… Read More

Because the Illuminate 2020 conference was canceled due to the pandemic, Saint John’s will offer a yearlong webinar and online presentation series for The Saint John’s Bible community.  Jim Triggs, executive director of the Heritage Program at Saint John’s University, provides an overview of the series.   In… Read More

Saint Luke’s Parish is an Episcopal “community of faith, prayer, fellowship and service” based in Darien, Connecticut. Through Saint John’s University’s “A Year With The Saint John’s Bible” program, the parish scheduled a series of events, many of which coincided with the liturgical calendar.  In this latest edition of The… Read More

George Fox University celebrates its 125th anniversary with on-campus events, presentations around the country, and the publication of over a dozen essays on Saint John’s Bible-related themes. Honoring its Christian Mission With The Saint John’s Bible George Fox University opened its doors in 1891, following the establishment of Pacific Friends… Read More

Beyond the formal rituals that play an important role in our spiritual lives, the simple ones that are part of daily life help us through the day. For many of us, COVID-19 has derailed these rituals.  Our experience with students preparing to turn the pages of The Saint John’s Bible… Read More

As the Covid-19 pandemic disrupts planned gatherings around the world, countless church communities have been asking themselves how they can best come together and carry on traditions remotely. At Epiphany Parish in Seattle, The Saint John’s Bible has played a helpful role in these efforts, serving as a familiar touchstone… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible team at Saint John’s University has the honor of working with a large community of churches, universities, hospitals and families around the world. One of our partners recently asked us for a comprehensive list of online resources, which they could in turn offer their community. We… Read More

As readers of this blog learned two weeks ago, this Lenten season, the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame is delving deep into The Saint John’s Bible. The Institute has launched a complimentary online course designed to “deepen your knowledge of and relationship with Scripture.”… Read More

At first glance, the physical scale of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition may lead one to think that its impact is limited to the geographic areas where it has found a home. But this Lenten season, the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame is… Read More

Like all teaching staff, Marian University faculty ‘struggled with silence’ – before the Heritage Edition. Read More

At some institutions, decision-makers think long and hard about where The Saint John’s Bible fits. What audiences want to see it? How do they want to use it? How do you even tell them where it is? Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has been letting the community decide. “Our goal… Read More

Every year, Donald Jackson receives letters and cards from admirers – many from children – thanking him for the years of work it took to create this monumental Bible. Donald reads every single one. “It’s so refreshing to learn … how The Saint John’s Bible has actually touched their lives,” he says. Read More

Hosting original, handcrafted folios from The Saint John’s Bible is a luxury few places have enjoyed. The number of institutions that have done so twice is even smaller. Joslyn Art Museum is one of them, and The Saint John's Bible keeps visitors coming back "again and again." ... Read More

The decision to host The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition is never taken lightly. Organizers must think through programming, logistics, community outreach, and more to ensure they maximize their time with the Bible and see it put to good use in their communities. For St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany,… Read More

St. Edward’s University in Texas hosted Fr. Michael Patella, OSB, of Saint John’s University as part of The Most Reverend John McCarthy Lecture Series. “It shows it’s a book for all time,” Fr. Patella said. “It’s not historical. It’s written in history, but it’s a living history" [...] Read More

Faith leaders play some of the most visible roles in their congregations – organizing programming, guiding creative methods of worship, and serving as a face for the church within their communities. But as the members of St. Luke’s Parish in Darien, Connecticut, have found over the past year, parishioners themselves can shine in these duties [...] Read More

The Saint John’s Bible is at home anywhere that spirituality and the arts intersect. Duke Initiatives in Theology and the Arts (DITA), a research and academic program within the Divinity School at Duke University, “promotes and encourages rigorous scholarly work and effective, imaginative teaching,” making it a natural venue… Read More

The Saint John’s community expresses its sympathy for the passing of Fr. Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, the 10th president of Saint John’s University, whose career highlighted a spirit of service that spanned more than seven decades. Originally an SJU student in 1946, Fr. Hilary served as professor, Dean and President over 73 years [...] Read More

“Artists need to do art to be fully human,” says Rev. Nora Jacob. “They need to express themselves.” But what about artists who legally can’t? Whose situation prevents them not just from sharing their art with the world, but from even acquiring the tools to create it in the first… Read More

More than 100 locations around the world use the Heritage Edition to ignite the spiritual imagination of their communities in creative and engaging ways. Illuminate 2020—the first-ever conference focused on those who own or host The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition—is the ideal forum to learn how others have shared… Read More

The possibilities for enhancing faith outreach with The Saint John’s Bible are nearly infinite. We believe that the more communities are informed about the creation of this Bible, the better they can use it to complement their mission. Our Workshops, one of our most engaging educational offerings, bring together hosts and owners of the Heritage Edition for a firsthand look at how The Saint John’s Bible was made, carefully replicated and used to reach communities across the world. Read More

In its sixth year as an owner of the Heritage Edition, St. Mary’s University has found plenty of mileage in its pages – and it shows no signs of slowing down. Dr. Bob O’Connor, St. Mary’s Director of The Saint John’s Bible and University Ombudsman, characterizes the Bible’s appearances across… Read More

The Saint John's Bible plays a role in many healing environments around the U.S. and beyond, and the impact of its text and illuminations on the spirit and mind can be understood intuitively. But the latest issue of Health Progress, The Journal of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, goes further, with research-based, academic and theological examinations of how the Bible can contribute to “Healing Spaces.” Read More

Illumination licensing rights provided to A Year With The Saint John’s Bible participants allowed UIW to use art like the Gospel of John Frontispiece for university events. “The first chapter of the Gospel of Saint John was so beautiful, my heart was captivated,” said Sister Walter Maher, CCVI, Vice… Read More

Epiphany Parish Seattle’s annual Holy Week Bible readings came alive in a new way, says church leadership, when they added The Saint John’s Bible to the event. Read More

Every faith tradition has its tangible representations of an intangible belief: symbols, texts, and even elements of nature can center one’s faith and serve as a reminder of traditional values and figures. But to Siena College in Albany, New York, the important part of owning The Saint John’s Bible isn’t… Read More

Exploring the question of existence – the nature of being, “where” we come from and why – is a recurring sticking point between the worlds of faith and science. Ironically, it’s also the uniting ideological thread between the two: the idea that, with enough dedication and the right perspective, humans… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible has inspired people from all walks of life, but among those who lecture on the Bible or are involved with it professionally, there tend to be a few common themes—religious leaders, calligraphers, and academics, primarily in the liberal arts. But as a growing number of audience… Read More

The Saint John's Bible sparked religious conversation "in a way that nothing else can” at the diverse campus of Illinois Wesleyan. Here's how A Year with The Saint John's Bible played out at the historic university. Read More

Experiencing The Saint John’s Bible alone can be powerful. After all, it was created as a work of self-reflection, inviting viewers to discover the divine in their own spiritual imaginations. But as an object of community, it has the power to inspire beyond its pages. At Mount Saint Mary College… Read More

The Bible has been translated into some 1,500 languages – at least, in part. The Saint John’s Bible, however, is hand-penned in English, relying on the New Revised Standard Version translation to preserve the accuracy of the Word among various Christian denominations. But multilingual host communities are making an extra… Read More

The story of the Heritage Edition at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise, Idaho, is as thoughtful as it is memorable. This year’s Christmas greeting from The Saint John’s Bible is dedicated to those who provide care for and support to the sick. We’re proud to present a special video featuring Saint Alphonsus, key illuminations [ ... ] Read More

Many stories on this blog have featured communities participating in the Year with The Saint John’s Bible program. But how does this program actually work, and what do host communities gain from it? Saint John’s University has recently published new details about this unique program and the opportunities it offers… Read More

When open, a single volume of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition measures two feet tall by three feet wide. Its glimmering illuminations, themselves couched in the handwritten Word of God, are placed strategically to reflect light to the curious eyes that devour its pages. At Dunham Bible Museum,… Read More

One of the best ways of understanding any work of art is having a knowledgeable teacher who can guide our thinking, ask challenging questions, and help us discover and articulate our personal responses. At the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona, fondly called the Casa, this philosophy is applied not… Read More

Last week, Saint John’s University celebrated the one-year anniversary of The Saint John’s Bible Gallery – the permanent home of the original folios of The Saint John’s Bible. Located within the University’s Alcuin Library, the gallery provides an exhibition space for visitors to view the Bible and reflect on its… Read More

The Saint John’s Bible continues to ignite spiritual imaginations around the world thanks to the Heritage Edition and the Year With The Saint John’s Bible program. Here is an update on the communities sharing The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Editions.* *The following information represents a partial list that does not… Read More

Sister Carol Keehan’s passion for healthcare began at age 18, during her first week in nursing school – “and it’s only gotten better since,” she said. She’s right. Since joining the Daughters of Charity sisterhood for social ministry in 1965, Sr. Carol has become a giant of healthcare. She… Read More

The Rev. Poulson Reed, rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix, Arizona, cites Psalm 96:9 when discussing how The Saint John’s Bible came to find a home at All Saints’. “Our Episcopal liturgy truly seeks to ‘worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,’” he wrote. “Having the Heritage Edition… Read More

The power of the written word has ebbed and flowed between cultures and generations. The passing of time, the rise of new media and waning trust in the spoken word have cemented its place in the Western world as one of the most genuine, heartfelt forms of communication – particularly… Read More

For many, The Saint John’s Bible is a kaleidoscope through which to see our world – religion, society, war, politics and technology are just a few of the themes that scholars and students alike have been able to extrapolate from its pages and provenance. Liturgical Press… Read More

The utility of the The Saint John’s Bible is to become part of an organization’s mission – whether that mission is healing, education, spiritual introspection, cultural enrichment or artistic appreciation. Dr. Angela McCarthy, Senior Lecturer of Theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia, said that it’s become more… Read More

Ahead of their upcoming A Year With The Saint John’s Bible, Saint Luke’s Parish in Darien, Connecticut, featured the Gospels & Acts volume of the Heritage Edition in their June 24 services. The visit from the Heritage Edition complemented an appearance by The Right Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams, the… Read More

As an Episcopal congregation, Epiphany Parish in Seattle observes two foundational liturgical practices: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table. The former includes reading scripture, prayer, and sermons. The latter creates a more tangible space in which to experience the divine: “It’s mysterious,” according to The… Read More

With 93 hospitals and dozens of nursing homes across 22 states (not including home health and hospice locations), Trinity Health System is driven by a desire to create a “healing environment,” something Philip Boyle, SVP of mission and ethics, says is at the heart of everything the organization does. “When… Read More

The Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York, was founded in 1885 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With impressive Gothic architecture, stained glass windows and a 200-foot spire, the cathedral is the centerpiece of Garden City. Its staff feels a responsibility to make… Read More

George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, is heavily influenced by its Quaker roots. A layman’s understanding of Quaker values might be summed up in the words of Dr. Paul Anderson, professor of biblical and Quaker studies: “With a deep spiritual interest, Quakers are very plain and concerned with simplicity in… Read More

Nowhere is the multifaceted nature of The Saint John’s Bible more apparent than in an educational context. Experts in fields that encompass the depth of human knowledge – from theology and biology to sociology, the humanities and more – pore over the art, structure, language and human effort of the… Read More

The Diocese of Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario, will celebrate the reception of all seven volumes of the Heritage Edition with music inspired by The Saint John's Bible on Sunday, April 29, at Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King. Read More

Catch up on the story and meaning of The Saint John’s Bible with a video series from Creighton University, currently hosting the Heritage Edition in Omaha, NE. Click here to follow the entire eight-part series. Read More

The Heritage Edition offers the opportunity to spread the artistry and message of The Saint John’s Bible. For Christ Church Charlotte, it also deepens a community’s connection with its own spiritual imagination. On April 2, Christ Church finished their extended six-month partnership as hosts of the Heritage Edition. “The driving… Read More

Hospitality; Stewardship; Respect; Justice. At Minnesota-based Benedictine Health System, these Core Values of the Benedictine faith align with the idea of healthcare and are so much more than just words. “At other organizations you may see the values displayed on the wall or on paper and that’s the extent… Read More

The Saint John’s community fondly remembers Jo (Alice Joan) White, the multi-talented artist known as “the mother of The Saint John’s Bible.” Jo passed away in February at the age of 87. As the founder of The Colleagues of Calligraphy, Jo created a community for calligraphers around the world to… Read More

The phrase “so the last shall be first” means there’s a place for everyone and everything in the world. It’s also a mantra that guides Brad Hoaglun and Ted Marconi’s practice of “intentionality,” which flows throughout Boise, Idaho-based Saint Alphonsus Health System’s plan for The Saint John’s Bible in 2018. Read More

Bishop Douglas Crosby knew The Saint John’s Bible had a place in the Diocese of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, long before it found its way there. The question the Diocese faced wasn’t “if” they would make a place for the Bible – it was “how.” Read More

“When you start the Year with the Heritage Edition, the assumption is that after a year, the Bible goes back to Saint John’s,” said Nancy Werner, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. “It was always my hope that wouldn’t be the case for us.”

The University of Portland has been one of the most active and creative keepers of the Heritage Edition. Each year, the university presents new Saint

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine in Florida, the site of the first parish church in North America, recently celebrated its 450th anniversary. What better place, then, to celebrate the arrival of the first handwritten Bible illuminated by Benedictines in over 500 years?

The Diocese of St. Augustine is participating in the Year With The Saint John’s Bible and, after series of events in the greater Jacksonville area, the cathedral in St. Augustine now has the Gospels & Acts volume on display. In addition, on February 21, Professor Jack Daniels, Th.D., will discuss the spread of the Gospel over time via the Sacred Scriptures.

Three hospitals in Arkansas are participating in the Year With The Saint John’s Bible program and the first stop is Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. As reported in the Paris Express, “Mercy Vice President for Mission Martin Schreiber said...

“To the Ends of the Earth” is an illumination you will find on the very last page of the Gospels and Acts volume of The

We celebrate locations around the world that have made a home for The Saint John’s Bible. May the spirit of Christmas illuminate your world!

The Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) at Saint John’s University is home to the original manuscript of The Saint John’s Bible. HMML’s mission is “to preserve and share the world’s handwritten past to inspire a deeper understanding of our present and future.

One of the most vibrant Bible study programs in the country can be found in Charlotte, North Carolina, at Christ Church. Each week, hundreds of

St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, Canada, was home to The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition in 2017. As part of its outreach to the Canadian community, CBC Radio’s Mary Hynes hosted an inspiring hour-long special on The Saint John’s Bible on her program, Tapestry.