On July 31, Steve Szumowski shared his legacy, a Bible printed in 1617. Steve’s uncle gave this Bible to Steve and his wife several months before the uncle died. Since then Steve has learned much about this ancient pulpit Bible. Steve was introduced to the Sisters of the Living Word through DeDe Langer from Plum Grove Printers. DeDe saw the connection between Steve’s treasure and the Sisters of the Living Word whose mission it is to “reflect and affirm the Word” through love of the biblical word. To Steve’s delight, the Sisters and Staff at the Living Word Center, Arlington Heights, were amazed at the history of printing this particular book that Steve learned from his research. The story of the printing process in the 1600’s impressed on the group how precious books were in that time. The importance of sharing the Word of God was reflected in the care Steve takes of this Bible and his willingness for others to touch and be touched. The Sisters appreciated the work involved in preserving the Bible and its stories for future generations. Based on the Mission of the Sisters of the Living Word and Steve’s love for his legacy, this was an opportunity to realize the efforts of past generations to share the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

Steve carefully unwraps the pulpit Bible as Stella Stacken, SLW watches.

Staff member, Lew Zahara, and SLW Stella Stacken and Rosanne Stump, examine the text.

Christine Kanalas, staff member, and Mary Imelda Fischer, SLW admire the copper etching of the New Testament cover page. Steve had a cast made so his sight-impaired brother could get a sense of the design work.

SLW, Mary Ambrose Wack, Genevieve Shea and Barbara Mass, check on the print intricacies used in the text.

.

Steve carefully unwraps the pulpit Bible as Stella Stacken, SLW watches.