New Sacred Arts Program at St. Mary's University College

In September 2012, St. Mary's University College in Calgary became the home of Western Canada's only fine art reproduction of the St. John's Bible, the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by Benedictine monks in more than 500 years.  The creators of the Saint John's Bible employed the same techniques used in the creation of the ancient illuminated manuscripts.  In doing so, they created a masterpiece of art that speaks to our own time.

To celebrate the arrival of the Saint John's Bible, St. Mary's University College launched a series of workshops and courses focusing on the Sacred Arts.  Courses in the program cover a wide range of topics including oil painting, iconography, calligraphy, manuscript illumination, stained glass making, and Gregorian chant.

The intent of the program is to enable students to enhance their understanding of the principles, practices, and methods of Sacred Art and its role in both public worship and personal devotion.  These courses combine hands-on instruction with a theoretical understanding of the theological and aesthetic principles that underlie the development of excellence in the various fields of Sacred Art.  For more information go to: Study Sacred Arts at St. Mary's University College