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BELLS

BASIC R.C. BELIEF Bells were used by ancient Egyptians in the worship of Osiris. Moses, who was educated in the priestly class of Egypt, introduced them into Judaism (EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Msgr. O'Sullivan, page 283)

Bells were introduced into churches about the year 400. They've had varied uses over the centuries; calling the faithful to prayer, marking the death of the faithful, summoning them to church to adore the Host. The importance of them in Roman Catholic liturgy is demonstrated by the elaborate ceremony of the blessing of the bells.

At this ceremony, the bishop prays, "that at the sound of this bell their faith and devotion may be increased, that the snares of the Evil One may be ineffectual, that the elements may be calmed, that the air may be healthful, and that demons may flee when they hear the sweet tones of the bell" (EXTERNALS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Msgr. O'Sullivan, page 289).

Altar bells were rung at Masses, in some places more than others, usually at the sanctus before the consecration, at the elevation of the Host and Chalice, at the priest's communion and sometimes before the people's communion.

POST VATICAN II In the new regulations for Mass, bells were not said to be necessary. They are still used, but their importance has been de-emphasized.

CHRISTIAN COMMENT Moses introduced bells into Jewish worship by Divine command. Jewish use of bells had nothing to do with Egyptian pagan worship. We see bells appearing in Roman Catholic churches shortly after the institutional church became the State religion of Rome, and pagans entered the churches bringing their pagan religious customs.

It is unthinkable that the sound of the bell should increase faith, for faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Neither can satanic snares be defeated by a bell.

Comments On This Page:

Church Bells posted by Proud American! on 05/20/2004 at 12:29:41 from IP# 68.74.115.69
You never hear the bells because other faiths, such as "ISLAM" were opposed to them. Now, "ISLAM" is imposing their religious calls on loud speakers for prayer 5 times per day in all public places......That's right America! You won't hear the bells but you will be hearing shouts of demand to pray the Koran in (eventually) all public places. This has started in HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN! They plan on putting this practice throughout the United States. It's time to put down your beer, park your SUV's in your garage, turn off your tv's, and PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Hamtramck only had 1 Islamic practioner on it's board, and this law was passed! It only took ONE!

Bell Ringing During Mass posted by Bob Meyers on 04/06/2003 at 14:36:23 from IP# 12.13.129.212
Has the Catholic(Roman) Church banned the "BELLS" at the Mass? If not why don't we now hear them any more? There are lots of us that were raised up with these bells thu-out our lives, and we "miss"them. We felt that the bells honored the "BODY" and the "BLOod" of Christ in the Mass.
Can you give me some back ground of the bells and Mass. Why and when should they be rung at Mass.
At our Church, ST Franci of ASSIS Cathol;ic Church, one of our former Preists diccontinued them for some reason we could not understand.
We would like the Bells returned to the MASS.

Thank you for your help,
Bob Meyers

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