April 29, 2009

Regis University gets first volumes of handwritten, hand-illustrated Bible

By Andrea Berggren

Regis University will soon become one of only a select few to receive a limited edition copy of the St. John’s Heritage Bible.

Regis received the first two volumes of the reproduction on April 24, when representatives from St. John’s University and benefactor Beulah Cherne and family presented Regis with the Bible, which will remain on public display in the St. John Regis Chapel on the Lowell campus.

The St. John’s Bible Heritage Edition is a full-size reproduction of the original and each of its seven volumes is approximately 2-feet tall by 3-feet wide, weighing about 20 pounds. Created based on the original artwork, it is the first handwritten Bible in more than 500 years, with 299 copies being produced. Currently, Regis is one of only seven universities with plans to receive the Bible.

Long-time Denver resident Beulah Cherne and her family were in attendance at the April 24 celebration.

“When we heard about the hand-produced Bible and how magnificent and unique it would be, we knew it would be the perfect gift for (Jesuit) Father Michael Sheeran in the new Regis chapel,” said Cherne. “It’s beyond our wildest expectations and is truly a treasure that all should see.”

Father Sheeran, who accepted the Bible on behalf of the Regis community, said the Cherne’s gift holds special meaning for Regis.

“The seven volumes of the St. John’s Bible Heritage Edition are a magnificent gift from Howard and Beulah Cherne,” he said. “The gift caps many years of the Chernes’ gifts to an endowed scholarship at Regis. I think of the Bible as an outward sign of their ongoing commitment to provide a Jesuit education to students in need.”

The St. John’s Bible Heritage Edition program began in 2008 and the list of recipients includes museums and libraries in addition to universities. Each Bible is signed and numbered and a special eighth volume will be included in the set as a guide to the imagery. The original seven volumes are Pentateuch, Historical Books, Psalms, Prophets, Wisdom Books, Gospels and Acts, Letters and Revelation. The St. Peter Apostles Edition, the most unique reproduction, was presented to Pope Benedict XVI on April 4, 2008, at the Vatican. The pope described it as “A great work of art.”

In fact, the art is part of what is so distinguished about the St. John’s Bible. To ensure faithful representation of the original manuscript, St. John’s University embarked on a worldwide search for printing experts and binders. Bound in soft Italian leather and printed on 100 percent American cotton paper, the Heritage Edition features calligraphy, vibrant imagery and gold and silver illuminations inspired by the original. Each volume includes a certificate of authenticity.

The combination of ancient methods and materials with themes, images and technology of the 21st century renders the St. John’s Bible as one-of-a-kind and also ensures the representation of mankind’s achievements over the past 500 years.

For more information on the St. John’s Bible, visit saintjohns bible.org.