COLLEGEVILLE - A small group of representatives from Saint John's University will present the final volume of The Saint John's Bible to Pope Francis on Friday.

The group leaves for Rome on Wednesday.

Saint John's University President Michael Hemesath will be a part of the group and says it will be one of the highlights of his life.

"It's an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to do this, I'm just so lucky to be in this role and group" Hemesath  says.

A group from Saint John's University has presented the Saint John's Bible to the Pope twice in the past, most recently six years ago to Pope Benedict. It was also presented to Pope John Paul.

Hemesath says the group is also thrilled to tour the surrounding area and history.

"The chance to go to Rome is a treat-for us to be in this birthplace of modern Catholicism is just an incredible opportunity."

The Saint John's Bible is the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery since the invention of the printing press. The presentation to Pope Francis will take place at the annual meeting of the Papal Foundation at the Vatican in Rome.

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