An altar or sanctus bell is rung during the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, in Methodism, and in the Anglican Communion. After a little research I found the reasons for ringing bell; first, to create a joyful noise to the Lord; second, the Church bells ringing signaled those not able to attend Mass that something supernatural was taking place. And, they have been a part of the Mass for about 800 years. If you look closely you will notice the bells are different sizes and therefore give different tones when rung. The gentle ringing of these bells is really not disturbing but I suppose could be startling to those who are not expecting it.
My roots are from a Protestant childhood. I converted to Catholicism in my mid thirties, at a time when the church provided much needed support and growth. I call myself a Christian but with reservations with the actions of some professed Christians. I seldom attend Mass anymore for personal reasons, yet I do search out churches where quiet can be found. Just as in nature it is here that I can read, write, spend time in pray, meditation and contemplation. Finding these places helps keep me connected to the Divine and sometimes learn about sanctus bells.
4 Comments
paul
When I saw the title of the post, I hurried over, expecting information about wedding bells, or some such. I, too, enjoy the quiet of the church and, of the Catholic churches, the smell. The smell of the incense is divine. 😉
Monte Stevens
Ha Ha! Don’t think wedding bells will be happening in my life any time some or ever. Pretty content with the way life is now. Yes, I know what your mean by the incense. It can definitely stimulate our senses.
Cedric Canard
It’s rare to hear of someone converting to Catholicism. I was brought up Catholic and, over a lifetime, converted out of it into nothing in particular. I know the sound of those bells quite well as I once had two uncles who where Catholic priests. They were great guys and good reasons to stay in the fold but when I started questioning our spiritual nature both of them had difficulty answering some of the questions. So much so that one of them suggested I read other scriptures like the Sutras, the Koran and the Upanishads. Like I said, they were great guys, strong believers in their beliefs and despite their fairly conservative religion, still knew how to have a good time 🙂
Monte Stevens
I know what you mean by questioning the beliefs. I think it is what we need to do in our growth. How can we share our beliefs is we really don’t understand or accept them? Christianity is based on a man who questioned and saw things differently than the teachers of his faith. And, yes, many people drawn frowns on their foreheads when I tell them I converted to Catholicism as an adult. That can start a good conversation.