The American Book of Kells

You may not know it, but St. John's University right here in Minnesota, has commissioned a new Bible. Now this is not just any Bible. It has been more than 500 years since anyone has attempted the creation of a fully illuminated hand scribed Bible on proper media, (vellum). The invention of the printing press meant there was no longer a need for hand scribed texts. Now however, St. Johns is spending $3 million to create one with some of the finest calligraphers and artists in the world.

Try to imagine what this really means. The church has not really created an icon since the modern age began. There have been fleeting artistic achievements like the passion of the Christ, but nothing like the St. John's Bible that reaches into our past, excites us in our present and glorifies our future. There was a time when pilgrims would travel thousands of miles to revere a piece of the true cross, or the bones of a St. While these were probably better left alone, here the Catholics have created a wonderful piece of art and faith that may be worthy of inciting our passions and garnering our respect and reverence. Furthermore, it will be a treasure for hundreds if not thousands of years. Go take a look at the link I have provided.
http://saintjohnsbible.org/see/default.htm