Below is a feed of stories, news, updates, events and testimonials about The Saint John’s Bible, the Heritage Edition and its ongoing journey into hearts and minds across the globe. Don’t miss a single story – subscribe today to get new posts delivered to your email inbox regularly every other week.
Events
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
The Human Body’s Place Among Celestial Bodies: Wisdom from Astronaut Mark Vande Hei’s Trip to the International Space Station with The Saint John’s Bible Illumination
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
Maureen Briare Composes a Cosmic Hymn for the University of Portland
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
Celebrating 10 Years with Brad Neary, Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program
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
JourneyNote: Don’t Forget the “One”
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
What You Missed This Summer: Website Updates
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
The Magic Behind Creation: John Roberts Printing Company’s Monumental 8-Year Endeavor to Print the Heritage Editions
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
The Saint John’s Bible at the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions Conference
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
JourneyNote: Voices Entwined – Reflections on Interfaith Unity
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
Taking A Year by Storm: The Saint John’s Bible at St. John’s Episcopal Church
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
How We Meet Each Other: Dr. Bob O’Connor Uses the Heritage Edition to Inspire Deep Spiritual Connection at St. Mary’s University
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
Travel like an Apostle: 12 Locations Across the United States to Visit with The Saint John’s Bible
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
JourneyNote: Road Trip Realization
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
JourneyNote: The Gift of Graduation
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
An Invitation for Healing: The Saint John’s Bible at Saint Alphonsus Health System
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
A Matrimony of the Old and New
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 Benedict’s Monastery Welcomes Their 18th Prioress
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
JourneyNote: Welcome to Sharing the Word
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
The Saint John’s Bible Goes Home: Introducing the 25th Anniversary Dedication Tour
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
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Commissioning of The Saint John’s Bible
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
Pepperdine University Illuminates the Word on Good Friday
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
The Saint John’s Bible at Home in Galveston
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
Planting Letters and Weaving Lines: Calligraphy in Conversation with The Saint John’s Bible
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
Illuminations Plant the Seed
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
A Memory of Pope Benedict
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
Christmas 2022 – Family Matters
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
Spreading Joy to the World
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
Lights Out in Bethlehem
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
Hope, Handel, and The Saint John’s Bible
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
It’s Not a Book Until It’s Bound
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
Jazz & The Saint John’s Bible
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
Continuing our Mission to Ignite the Spiritual Imagination
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
Annual Update
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
Baylor University’s Heritage Edition
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
Bringing the Word of God to Life through Illuminations
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
Holy Week 2022
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
Week 6 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
Week 5 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
Week 4 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
Week 3 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
Week 2 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
Week 1 – From The Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
“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
From the Margin: A Lenten Experience of The Saint John’s Bible
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
St. Benedict Center Retreats Offer Peace to People of Many Faiths
“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
Christmas 2021 – Bringing the Light
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
St. Luke’s Video Celebrates Profound Experiences during A Year With The Saint John’s Bible
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
Welcoming Rev. Dr. John Ross to The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program
“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
Retirees Create a Hospitality Ministry with the Heritage Edition
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
Chapman University Celebrates Art and Diversity with The Heritage Edition
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
Reflections on a Decade of The Saint John’s Bible
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
Celebrating Ten Years of The Saint John’s Bible
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
The Heritage Edition Finds a Home with CEEP Network Parishes
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
Handel’s “Messiah” Event Available Online
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
St Martin-in-the-Fields presents Handel’s Messiah with Illuminations from The Saint John’s Bible
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
Christ’s Body in The Saint John’s Bible
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
Notre Dame’s Journey With The Saint John’s Bible: 2021
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
Op-ed Celebrates National Handwriting Day
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
Christmas Illuminated – 2020
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
Saint Benedict Center Welcomes The Saint John’s Bible
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
Illuminate Series: Sharing The Saint John’s Bible
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
Illuminate Series Begins
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
Illuminate Series Launches in September 2020
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
First Person: The Bible Goes Digital During COVID-19
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
First Person: George Fox University’s 125th Anniversary Illuminated
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
First Person: In Search of Rituals
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
Epiphany Parish Carries on with Good Friday Tradition Online
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
Online Resources on The Saint John’s Bible
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
There’s Still Time to Join Online Journey with The Saint John’s Bible
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
University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute Launches Online Journey with The Saint John’s Bible for Lent
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
How Marian University Uses the Heritage Edition to “Make Discoveries” About Art, Faith and the Core of Spiritual Being
Like all teaching staff, Marian University faculty ‘struggled with silence’ – before the Heritage Edition. Read More
The Saint John’s Bible Forwards the Christian Mission and Research Initiatives of Baylor University
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
A Personal Christmas Greeting from Donald Jackson, Artistic Director of The Saint John’s Bible
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
Joslyn Art Museum Brings Original Folios of The Saint John’s Bible Back to Its Community
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 Saint John’s Bible Leaves Its Mark on 150th Anniversary of St. Peter’s Health Partners
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
Fr. Michael Patella’s Lecture to St. Edward’s University Underscores The Saint John’s Bible’s “Cultural Context”
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
Docents at St. Luke’s Parish Take on Stewardship of The Saint John’s Bible
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
With The Saint John’s Bible, Faith and Art are “Inseparable” at Duke University’s DITA10
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
“Joy in Making, Joy in Being”: Remembering Fr. Hilary Thimmesh, OSB, 10th President of SJU
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
Imagination on Fire Uses The Saint John’s Bible as a Springboard for Incarcerated Artists
“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
Save the Date for Illuminate 2020, the First-Ever International Conference for The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition
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
Our 2-Day Workshop Explores How to Make the Most of the Heritage Edition
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
St. Mary’s University Uses The Saint John’s Bible as Shorthand for Its Mission
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
CHA’s Health Progress Explores the Role of The Saint John’s Bible in Healing Spaces
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
For the University of the Incarnate Word, A Year With The Saint John’s Bible Was About More than Just the Bible
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
How The Saint John’s Bible Transformed Epiphany Parish’s Good Friday Readings
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
Franciscan Tradition is “Alive” with the Heritage Edition at Siena College
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
The God Question and a Theory of Everything: Two Scientific Perspectives on The Saint John’s Bible
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
An Astrophysicist Sees “Science & Faith in Harmony” within The Saint John’s Bible
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
“An Intellectually, Aesthetically and Spiritually Renewing Experience”: How the Heritage Edition Impacted Illinois Wesleyan University
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
How the Heritage Edition Joined the Fabric of Mount Saint Mary College
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
How Saint Boniface Brought The Saint John’s Bible to a Bilingual Audience to Celebrate 200 Years of Canadian Ministry
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
Christmas Illuminated: A Special Video Greeting from The Saint John’s Bible
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
How Does A Year With The Saint John’s Bible Work?
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
Where the Heritage Edition Fits Among Thousands of Bibles at Dunham Bible Museum
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
Docents Nurture the Heritage Edition’s “Wow Factor” at Franciscan Renewal Center
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
The Saint John’s Bible Gallery Celebrates One Year of Sharing Timeless Art
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 Heritage Edition’s Expanding Reach
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
“Religious Art… Conveys the Presence of God”: Sister Carol Keehan on How The Saint John’s Bible “Speaks Directly to the Human Soul”
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 Beauty of Holiness” at All Saints’ Episcopal Church
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 2018 International Calligraphy Conference Connects Classical Art to a New Generation
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
“Illuminating Justice” Interprets the Art of The Saint John’s Bible Through a Modern Lens of Social Justice
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 Heritage Edition Enriches “Authentic Catholicity” and Intellectual Tradition at Notre Dame Australia
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
Former Archbishop of Canterbury joins CT parish for Heritage Edition event
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
Connected Through Time: Epiphany Seattle Acquires the Heritage Edition Years After Hosting
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
How The Saint John’s Bible Fosters a Healing Environment Across 93 Hospitals at Trinity Health System
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 Envisions the Future of Faith through the Heritage Edition
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 Uses The Saint John’s Bible to “Pique Our Social Conscience”
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
At Creighton University, Academic and Spiritual Perspectives Converge Under the Heritage Edition
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
Hamilton Diocese receives full Heritage Edition, celebrates with free choir performances
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
Videos: The Heritage Edition comes to Creighton University
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
Using the Heritage Edition to Lower the Veil at Christ Church Charlotte
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
Benedictine Health System: Touching Lives with the Blessings of a Century
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
Remembering Jo White, “The Mother of The Saint John’s Bible”
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
Saint Alphonsus Finds the Forgotten, Serves the Unsung Using The Saint John’s Bible
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
How the Diocese of Hamilton Created Unique Experiences to Connect with its Community
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
Making Unity Accessible in the Archdiocese of St. Louis
“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.”
Women of the Book
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 Bible in St. Augustine, FL
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.
Spiritual Health and Healing in Arkansas
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 and Up 250 Miles
“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
Christmas 2017 – Illuminating the World
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!
Hill Museum and Manuscript Library featured on 60 Minutes
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.
Christ Church Illuminates Charlotte
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
Saint John’s Bible on CBC’s Tapestry Radio Program
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.