The Saint John’s Bible is the first completely handwritten and illuminated Bible since the invention of the printing press more than five hundred years ago. It was commissioned by Saint John’s Abbey and University and was created by Donald Jackson, Senior Scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Office, along with an international team of calligraphers and artists.

 

The Saint John’s Bible is a Bible for the 21^st century. Strands of DNA and magnified images of viruses are woven into illuminations. It includes images from the Hubble telescope, mandalas, patterns from Middle Eastern and South Asian textiles, images from aboriginal rock paintings, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and much more.

 

In 2017, St. Jerome’s University celebrated having two volumes of the Heritage Edition on campus. A number of events, lectures, weekly page turnings, a Messiah Concert, and an interview on CBC's Tapestry radio program took place during this "Year with The Saint John's Bible". The volumes - Gospels and Acts and Pentateuch - have remained on display at the university. Those interested in seeing these displays may visit the Atrium in the Academic Centre (SJ2) and the hallway leading to the Fr. Bob Liddy Spirtuality Centre, located on the lower level of the SJ1 building on campus.