Bells
What happened to the bells? The bells used during the consecration of the
Mass where introduced in the Middle Ages as a signal bell for the
consecration. The General Introduction of the Roman Missal states: “A
little before the consecration, the server may ring a bell as a signal to
the faithful. Depending on local custom, he also rings the bell at the
showing of both the host and the chalice” (109). The text makes it clear
that ringing a bell at the consecration is an option, not an obligation.
The use of the bells was initiated to draw attention to particular parts of
Mass, parts often missed because the Mass was celebrated in Latin, in large
Churches without sound systems and the priest faced away from the people.
Since the Mass is now celebrated in the language of the people with adequate
sound systems and with the priest facing the people, the people are able to
distinguish these important Mass times without the use of the bells.
Following the example of our Mother Church in this Archdiocese (the
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels), the use of the bells during the
consecration is being omitted. While your tradition may have been hearing
the bells, there is much history/tradition in the Church when they were not
used. Please understand this minor change is meant to draw you into the
mystery, not aggravate you. It is likewise hoped to reflect greater unity
with our Archbishop and the Mother Church of our Archdiocese. |
