Church Bells

Last weekend we traveled to Flores, Guatemala.  About 2 hours away by bus, Flores is a small town located on an island in the middle of a lake.  We planned to go to Mass at 9am on Sunday morning (remembering that was the time of Mass from our trip there last year) but about 7:30am on Sunday we heard the bells ringing and walked to the church as the bells usually ring 1 hour, then 30 minutes, then 10 minutes before Mass to let people know there will be a Mass.  Thanks to the tradition of the bells before Mass we knew Mass was earlier than 9 and we didn't miss it :)



It's one of the simple things I appreciate about life here.   The ringing of the Church bells at 6, noon, and 6.  Some people don't even have clocks in their house, they go by the bells, and others set their clocks by the bells.  It feels quite nice to hear the bells ringing as you're waking up in the morning.  Real bells, not a recording, real bells rung by someone pulling the rope in the belltower (or in the confessional in our case).  We even have a "death bell".  People hear it's not so lovely sounding tone and know someone has passed away.  People immediately pray for the deceased and call the church to find out who passed away (or send their kids to run up to the church and ask).  There's just something "small town" about it... bells that can be heard throughout the whole town, reminding us to begin our day with prayer and stop to give time to God throughout the day.  Those of you who know me know how sentimental I am, especially about things from the past.  It's not surprising I love the bells so much, I feel they connect my life to the lives of so many others that lived before me.  It's a small piece that remains of a less-complicated time from the past.

In the towns here the Church is usually the center of the town and the tallest building.  It is the center of the town, the community, and our life.  As it should be.  You may not be able to see the church from where you live, but you can always hear the bells.

p.s. If you have an iPhone you can set your alarm to the "Bell Tower" ring and see how nice it is to wake up to the church bells tomorrow morning.  Although, our bells aren't quite that nice, but you get the idea :)