The Saint John’s Bible is a stunning resource and a too-hidden jewel at UP. To mark the new millennium, the Benedictine monks of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville Minnesota commissioned this work—the first fully hand-calligraphed, illuminated Bible manuscript to be crafted since the invention of the printing press, which is why it’s called The Saint John’s Bible. It’s meant to be a universal and inclusive work, and to that end, features art from 16 different artists, all charged with the task of creating images in which all beholders have a chance to see themselves. A page is always on display in Clark Library, and the selection changes regularly. With the gift of all seven volumes came special training for docents at UP to learn twelve kajillion facts about them, so that classes in theology, history, the sciences and fine arts could tap the riches of this audacious work. Beth Barsotti and Karen Eifler are trained by the St. John’s community to share the volumes with anyone from the UP community, both in the classroom and as an inspiration for prayer. Contact either of those if you would like to learn more.
The “Did you know” series comes to you as an initiative of Campus Ministry and the Garventa Center, intended to broaden awareness of spiritual development opportunities on the University campus. If you are curious about anything under that broad umbrella and would like to see an answer published in UPBeat, please contact Karen Eifler (eifler@up.edu) or Fr. Jim Gallagher (gallaghe@up.edu).