More than 100 photos and dozens of teaching quotes are just part of “My Time in Peoria: Honoring Bishop Jenky’s 20 Years as Our Shepherd,” a new exhibit at the Diocesan Historical Museum located in the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria. The exhibit may be viewed through December. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

As Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, approaches the 20th anniversary of his appointment as Bishop of Peoria next February, the Diocesan Historical Museum is getting a jump on the celebration with a new exhibit highlighting his teaching and actions over the past two decades.

“My Time in Peoria: Honoring Bishop Jenky’s 20 Years as Our Shepherd” is the theme of the exhibit, which opened in June and will be available for viewing through December.

Bishop Jenky was named Bishop of Peoria on Feb. 12, 2002, and a timeline of his two decades as our chief shepherd takes up an entire wall of the museum exhibit at the Spalding Pastoral Center. (The Catholic Post/Tom Dermody)

Researched and designed by Sister Lea Stefancova, FSJB, archivist and caretaker of the diocesan museums located at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria, the exhibit features more than 100 photos interspersed with dozens of quotes from Bishop Jenky’s teaching. There are also some of the bishop’s favorite art pieces, the championship ring from the 1988 University of Notre Dame football team that won the NCAA title while he was chaplain, and even a replica of the sword from “The Lord of the Rings” given to him as a gift from the diocese’s young priests as a symbol of their loyalty.

The photos and quotes are mostly found on five display boards, recalling his leadership in the sainthood cause of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen; his support for Catholic education; his relationships with diocesan priests, women religious, and deacons; his preaching; and his public involvement in causes such as religious liberty, pro-life, and his inspiration for the annual men’s march.

Separate photo displays are for major projects such as the renovation of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the construction of the Spalding Pastoral Center, as well as his youth (including his grade school diploma), entrance into the Congregation of Holy Cross, and time at the University of Notre Dame.