DWU to hold presentation, blessing ceremony for unique Bible

DWU to hold presentation, blessing ceremony for unique Bible

A blessing and presentation service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. in the Sherman Center.

MITCHELL - The public is invited to a blessing and presentation service as Dakota Wesleyan University celebrates the once-in-a-generation gift of The Saint John's Bible Heritage Edition.

In 1998, the Saint John's Abbey and University commissioned a handwritten, hand-illuminated Bible. According to their website: "The Saint John's Bible is a work of art and a work of theology. A team of artists coordinated by Donald Jackson in Wales and a team of scholars in Central Minnesota have brought together the ancient techniques of calligraphy and illumination with an ecumenical Christian approach to the Bible rooted in Benedictine spirituality. The result is a living document and a monumental achievement."

DWU is the proud recipient of the seven-volume Heritage Edition, a limited collection of this work and the only public collection to be located in the Dakotas. Other installations in the U.S. this year include Duke University and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

The service, which is open to the public, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. in the Sherman Center on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan, 1200 W. University Ave., Mitchell, S.D. Light refreshments will follow.

The Bible will be housed within the McGovern Library. It will be available for viewing and for use in studying and perusing the text and illuminations.