Over the coming weeks, parishes and pastoral areas are preparing to welcome the Eucharistic Congress bell to our diocese from November 16th -30th.
The visit of the bell is an invitation for us to awake, to be alert to the presence of God in our lives at all times. Since antiquity, the sound of a pealing bell has been a recognised means of communication, at times a warning that urges people to flee from pending danger and at other times inviting people to a communal gathering to receive news or perhaps to celebrate. A bell is a symbol that is both visible and audible. For Christians the bell has long been associated with the invitation to gather, the sound being perceived as God’s voice, God’s call, which draws people to assemble. For early Christian Ireland the sound of the bell of St. Patrick and other great saints across the land heralded the dawn of a new and eternal day for the Irish people – called to hear the good news – Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh – and in turn become bearers of this news to others, far and near. The image of the bell, associated today with Christmas and wedding cards, is still used to convey joy, celebration and the announcement of good news. Combined, the image and sound of the bell symbolise for us God’s call to all people to gather to hear good news.
As the bell journeys through our diocese, through parishes and pastoral areas, let's reflect on what the ringing of a bell signifies for us.
It can be used in many different ways:
- the bell can be used to invite us into moments of stillness, e.g. like the Angelus bell
- the bell can also be used to celebrate joy and delight in being a Christian community on the journey of life together as we move into Advent
- the bell can be used to recall the call of God to each one of us, as we are called to the church to celebrate together
- the bell can be used to mark solemnly our remembrance of our dead in the month of November etc.
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Some resources that might be of help:
