DOVER, DE.- Saint John's Abbey and University, Collegeville, Minnesota presented the Library of Congress with a gift of the Apostles Edition of The Saint John's Bible, a work of art with more than 1,130 pages and 160 illuminations that reflect life in the modern era. The gift was made possible by Minneapolis-based GHR Foundation and is the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery since the invention of the printing press, more than 500 years ago. The Bible joins the Library of Congress' collection of rare spiritual texts and went on public exhibition on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The gift of this Apostles Edition was made in the presence of Pope Francis, following his address to a joint meeting of Congress.

The original manuscript of The Saint John's Bible is held at Saint John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota, a Benedictine institution.

The Biggs Museum of American Art will host the Illuminating the Word: The Saint John's Bible exhibition from December 4, 2015-March 27, 2016. This international exhibition features 70 pages of the original The Saint John's Bible manuscript. Of the 70 pages included in the exhibition, they span all 7 books of the Bible. This is the first time pages from all 7 books have been on exhibition together.

"Excitement surrounding this exhibition continues to build, especially in the wake of today's news," said Charlie Guerin, Executive Director of the Biggs Museum. "This project is significant on a variety of levels, the illuminations are breath taking and the stories behind their creation are even more intriguing. Save the date for this exhibition at the Biggs because this will be the first - and potentially only - time that these illuminations will be on view in our area."

This unique undertaking combines a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanshipwith the latest capabilities of computer technology and electronic communication. The words are handwritten on vellum (calfskin) using hand-cut quills fashioned from turkey, swan or goose feathers, and ancient inks hand-ground from natural minerals and stones such as lapis lazuli, malachite and vermillion. The pages are illuminated with the brilliance of 24-karat gold leaf, silver leaf and platinum. The complete work includes 1,127 handwritten pages and over 160 major artworks.

Featured Pages in The Saint John's Bible: Illuminating the Word Exhibition
Highlights of the artwork included in the show are the illuminations for Creation (pictured), Adam and Eve, The Ten Commandments, Esther, The Nativity, Vision of Isaiah, Valley of the Dry Bones, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Wisdom Woman, The Genealogy of Christ, Loaves and Fishes, The Opening to the Gospel of John, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and the Vision of the New Jerusalem.