March 18, 2012. (Romereports.com) It has been printed millions of times and it can be read in 2303 languages. It's simply known as the Bible, the most published book in history.
Now, older versions of the Bible are open for the world to see at a Vatican's exhibit titled “Verbum Domini” meaning, the Word of God.
Card. Farina Rafaelle
Prefect Apostolic Vatican Library
“The title 'Verbum Domini' was chosen to highlight the ecumenical conception of this exhibition, and also its venue here at the Vatican. The origin of the documents, the prevalence of the Green Collection, and those from other collections highlight the participation of the Christian denominations. Because in reality, the Bible unites, even though so me think it does the opposite, it's actually a very strong point of union.”
The exhibition is taking part next to St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican's Braccio de Carlomagno Hall.
Steven Green
Representative, 'The Green Collection'
“This has been a delight. We are excited about the opportunity we have to be here at the Vatican. It's also exciting that it's not only our collection, we have brought a lot of dealers and collectors from all around the world.”
Mario Paredes
American Bible Society
“This private collection of Mr. Steve Green includes 44,000 biblical items that are truly historic. From those 44,000 items, 150 of them are in the exhibit. So, you can imagine just how immense the Green collection is.”
Some of the treasures in the collection include copies of the Torah, which are the first five books of the Bible written by Moses. Each items holds its own unique story. This Torah, for example was burned by the Nazi regime before being thrown away.
The exhibit also includes historic editions of the Bible that are still in good condition. This one, is in Latin and under the orders of King James of England it was translated to English.
Two thirds of the Bibles in the exhibit belong to the 'Green Collection,' which is the largest private collection of biblical texts and artifacts in the world. In this particular exhibit, items from the Vatican's Apostolic Library are also on display.
Card. Farina Rafaelle
Prefect, Vatican's Apostolic Library
“For us, a collection like this is unique. There has never been an exhibit as important as this one here in Rome, with so many rich and original documents on the Bible.”
Mario Paredes
American Bible Society
“The intention isn't just to showcase the cultural aspect of the Bible. The exhibit is also a way to bring the biblical thought to the modern and post modern world.”
The exhibit is divided into eight galleries that take visitors through exhibit rooms. One resembles a synagogue, another a castle and a third looks like a monastery. Each room presents the biblical documents of that time period. Aside from all the treasures, the exhibit also has a special surprise.
Visitors can see an actual printer, like the one used by its inventor, Johannes Guttenberg-and one can even take come a sheet of the Bible, as they once printed, years ago....
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