By Colette Liddy

Visitors to Caldwell University will soon have the opportunity to experience a timeless gift of sacred art, the St. John’s Bible, the first illuminated, handwritten Bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in over 500 years.

The Bible was created by Donald Jackson, senior scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office, along with a collaborative team of scribes and artists.

Beginning on Jan. 28, 2019 for one year, Caldwell will host the Heritage Edition of the Gospels and Acts volume of the Bible, a work of art that unites the ancient Benedictine tradition with today’s technology and vision. 

Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, along with Jackson and the team, produced the Bible to ignite the spiritual imagination of believers throughout the world. Over a period of 15 years, Jackson and six calligraphers handwrote all 1,150 pages on approximately 300 sheets of calfskin vellum with over 160 major illuminations. The work was done in a scriptorium in Wales. A Jewish scribe drew the Hebrew script. The translation of the Bible is the New Revised Standard Version.

Caldwell will present programs and lectures in theology, art, science, music and more as they relate to the Bible. “We are looking forward to sharing the St. John’s Bible with the campus community and with the wider community,” said Dr. Nancy Blattner, Caldwell University’s president. “The Bible will provide many opportunities for study and discussions. We hope that it will promote dialogue, inspire hope and educate.”

The first volume released was presented to Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in April 2008 when he said, “This is a work of art … this is a great work of art … this is a work for eternity.”

The Heritage Edition is the only full-size limited signed and numbered fine art edition that will ever be produced. Each volume includes Jackson’s signature as its certificate of authenticity.

Sower and the Seed, Aidan Hart with contributions from Donald Jackson and Sally Mae Joseph, Copyright 2002, The Saint John’s Bible, Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA. Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

About Caldwell University

Caldwell University is a private, Catholic coed four-year university with a strong liberal arts core curriculum that enhances critical thinking and analytical reasoning. Caldwell offers 29 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including doctoral, master’s, certificate and certification programs, as well as online and distance learning options that prepare students for today’s global marketplace. The university has 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports programs and a football program that is a member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League.

Caldwell offers numerous clubs, fraternities, sororities and activities. It is located on a beautiful 70-acre campus in suburban Caldwell, New Jersey. Caldwell was founded by the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell. Its core values of respect, integrity, community and excellence influence academic and campus life. For more information about Caldwell University, visit caldwell.edu.

Colette Liddy is Caldwell University's Director of News and Media Relations.