In today’s bulletin, Father Hilton writes:
Our two bells have arrived and this weekend, after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass, we will bless them. During the coming week, they will be installed in our new bell tower, ready to ring out in joy on the day that our church is dedicated! Next weekend, October 23-24, we will hold an “open house” where you will have the opportunity to go into the church and see for yourself all the progress that the construct crews have made. Come and be amazed!
The names for our new bells are: Maria Gaudens and Little Saint John. The Latin name for the big bell, Maria Gaudens, is inspired by the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and means “Mary Rejoicing.” At the message of the Archangel Gabriel, at the moment that she conceived the Divine Lord Jesus in her womb, the Blessed Mother spoke these words of praise: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” While Mary is rejoicing at the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in her womb, all of creation rejoices with her that Salvation now dwells on earth among men. Before every Sunday Mass we will hear the big bell ring out in joy, welcoming all people to the Sacrament of our Lord’s Precious Body and Blood. Mary is always rejoicing in Jesus her Son and when we hear the big bell ring, it will remind us that our holiness is deepened every time that we rejoice in the Lord.
The little bell, Little Saint John, is not named for the pastor, but is named after Saint John the Baptist. When Saint John was in the womb of his mother, Saint Elizabeth, he danced for joy in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Every time we hear the little bell ring out in its high tone, it will remind us of Saint John who leapt for joy in the presence of the Lord!
