University of Dallas lecture to address first handwritten, illuminated Bible in 500 years

by PegNews wire

IRVING — The School of Ministry at the University of Dallas will present Dr. Miguel Diaz, associate professor of theology at Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minn., at the ninth annual Landregan Lecture. The lecture, titled “Seer of the Word: The Sacramental Imagination and the Human Vision of God,” takes place Saturday, November 3, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. in UD’s Lynch Auditorium.

“We are thrilled to welcome a scholar of Dr. Diaz’s caliber to deliver the School of Ministry’s Landregan Lecture, one of the most beloved traditions on our campus,” said Dr. Brian Schmisek, director of SOM. “Dr. Diaz’s groundbreaking work has shed a great deal of light on the increasingly relevant intersection of cultural and theological issues. His words will provide a great deal of illumination and inspiration for our community of scholars and our welcomed guests.”

Dr. Diaz will be discussing the Saint John’s Bible, commissioned by a Benedictine Monastery as the first handwritten, illuminated Bible to be produced in approximately 500 years. Its construction parallels that of its medieval predecessors, written on vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand-ground pigments and gold leaf, while incorporating modern themes, images and modern technology. The last complete handwritten, illuminated Bible was commissioned shortly after the introduction of the printing press at the end of the 15th century. Although Judaism continues the practice of the handwritten Torah and Islam does so with the Qu’ran, Western Christianity has virtually discontinued the practice of handwritten Bibles since the invention of the printing press.

Inaugurated in 1999, the Landregan Lecture is named for UD alumnus Steven T. Landregan, a prominent churchman, former editor of Texas Catholic and patron of permanent deacons in the Diocese of Dallas. The Landregan Lecture introduces SOM students and faculty, and the broader Catholic community, to nationally prominent figures whose areas of expertise reflect the many interests that animated Mr. Landregan throughout his distinguished career. Previous speakers have included Margaret O’Brien Steinfels; Joseph Martos; Reverend Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J.; Archbishop Michael Sheehan; R. Scott Appleby; Toni Craven; and Robert Barron.

Source: University of Dallas