A monumental achievement and historic undertaking, the Saint John’s Bible is a major artistic, cultural and spiritual endeavor. It is the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned since the invention of the printing press.

Donald Jackson, world renowned calligrapher and illuminator in collaboration with artists and theologians, has woven word and image in this once-in-millennium project. This work of art unites an ancient Benedictine tradition with the technology and vision of today, illuminating the Word of God for a new millennium.

As a bible for our time, the Saint John’s Bible is a unique blend of ancient methods, materials and tools with modern themes, images, technology and text. The bible in its entirety consists of seven volumes and 160 illuminated paintings.

The Benedictine Sisters of Erie have the unique opportunity to host a traveling set of 25 prints from this bible at the monastery, 6101 East Lake Road.

The exhibit is Oct. 25-Nov. 25. It opens Sunday, Oct. 25 with monastic vespers at 3 p.m. and a lecture at 3:30 p.m. featuring Sister Mary Irene Nowell, OSB, speaking on “Visio Divina.” Sister Mary Irene holds a doctorate in Scripture from the Catholic University of America and is a noted biblical scholar and leading authority on the Psalms. As a member of the Committee on Illumination and Text, she brings her personal experience with the project.

The exhibit will be open Mon.-Sat. 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.; Sunday hours are 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Evenings are by special arrangement. Groups are welcome.

Whether you have a deep reverence for Scripture, are drawn to the precise work of the quill, are an avid art collector or just curious about this fascinating manuscript you won’t want to miss this exhibit. Selected books and notecards will be available in Chapter 57, the monastery’s fine arts gift shop.

For more information, please contact Sister Irene Spacht, OSB, at (814) 899-0614, Ext. 2507 or e-mail her: sispacht@aol.com

Learn more in the Monastery’s magazine.