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Altar bell
Altar bell
Altar bell
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Altar bells (missing one bell), with cross-shaped handle
Altar bells
Sanctus bells
Mid-1900s three-tiered bell at the museum of Manaoag Basilica

In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, Lutheranism, and Anglicanism, an altar bell (also Mass bell, sacring bell, Sacryn bell, saints' bell, sance-bell, or sanctus bell[1]) is typically a small hand-held bell or set of bells. The primary reason for the use of such bells is to create a "joyful noise to the Lord" as a way to give thanks for the miracle taking place atop the altar.[1]

An ancillary function of the bells is to focus the attention of those attending Mass that a supernatural event is taking place on the altar.[1] These are kept on the credence table or some other convenient location within the chancel.

The tradition of bell ringing during the consecration finds its historical roots in the Latin Mass era, where much of the celebrant's dialogue was uttered in subdued tones. During the Middle Ages, the widespread use of rood screens often obstructed the view for many congregants, necessitating the need for auditory signals to denote significant moments within the Mass. Consequently, the ringing of bells emerged as a practical solution, effectively drawing attention to the solemn act of consecration.

While the original practical motivations for bell ringing may have diminished with time, the practice persists as an integral component of liturgical tradition. Its enduring presence serves a dual purpose: not only does it maintain continuity with historical practices, but it also functions as a subtle yet poignant reminder to worshipers, redirecting their focus towards the sacred altar and reinforcing the sanctity of the momentous proceedings unfolding before them.[2]

In the Roman Catholic Church

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At Mass

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"A little before the Consecration, if appropriate, a minister rings a small bell as a signal to the faithful."[3][4] The usual moment chosen for giving the signal of the approach of the Consecration is when the priest stretches out his hands over the host and the chalice while reciting the epiclesis. Mention of this signal was introduced into the Roman Missal in Pope John XXIII's 1962 revision.[5] Even before 1962, it was common practice to give this signal, although it then "ha[d] no authority".[6]

All pre-1970 editions of the Roman Missal, including that of 1962, prescribe continuous ringing of the altar bell while the priest recites the words of the Sanctus at Low Mass.[7] but, in line with its abolition of a hard and fast distinction between a sung and merely spoken Mass, the 1970 edition makes no mention of that practice.

According to local custom, the server also rings the bell once or three times as the priest elevates the consecrated Host and then the Chalice[3] Pre-1970 editions of the Roman Missal prescribe either a triple or a continuous ringing of the bell at each showing of the consecrated species.[8] Pre-1962 editions also prescribe that the server should first light an elevation candle, to be extinguished only after the priest has consumed the Precious Blood or has given Communion to any others who wish to receive it.[9]

On 10 September 1898, the Congregation of Sacred Rites declared inappropriate the use of a gong instead of the altar bell.[1]

The ringing of an altar bell began probably in the 13th century.[10] It is not mentioned in the original 1570 Roman Missal of Pope Pius V[11] and was not introduced into papal Masses until the reign of Pope John Paul II.[10]

Before the reintroduction of concelebration, priests frequently said Mass at side altars while a public celebration was taking place at the high altar, the Congregation of Sacred Rites found it necessary to prohibit ringing a bell at Masses celebrated at a side altar.[12] The same rule was made even for a Solemn Mass celebrated at an altar other than one at which the Blessed Sacrament is publicly exposed, and allowed the ringing of the altar bell to be omitted when Mass was celebrated at the altar of exposition.[13]

Like all church bells, the altar bell is not rung from the end of the Gloria in excelsis at the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Maundy Thursday until it is sung again at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. During this holiest season of the liturgical year known as the Paschal Triduum, a wooden clapper known as a crotalus (crotalus/matraca; Latin: Crotalum, Crepitaculum) is sometimes used to make important sounds in place of the altar bell.[1]

In some places it is local custom, not mandated by liturgical law, to also refrain from using altar bells during the seasons of Advent. As with Easter, they are rung again throughout the Gloria at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to celebrate the resumption of their use.[14]

Benediction

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An altar bell used in a Catholic church in Florida

Bells may also be rung during Eucharistic adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.[1]

Lutheran

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In branches of Lutheranism, altar bells are rung at the two appropriate times during the Words of Institution ("This is my body... This is the cup of my blood...") to signify the real presence.[15]

Anglican

[edit]
An altar gong and mallet, used as an alternative to the altar bell in some churches (especially in Anglo-Catholicism)

Some Anglican parishes, in particular those that are Anglo-Catholic, use an altar bell which is rung to signify the Real Presence of Christ in the sacred Elements. During the Eucharist, it is usually rung three times - once before the Words of Institution, and once at each elevation of the Host and of the Chalice. It may also be rung to indicate the time that the faithful may come forward to receive Communion when the priest drinks the wine from the chalice.[16]

The bells are also rung when the monstrance or ciborium is exposed or processed, for example when moving the reserved Sacrament from a side altar to the high altar. Custom differs concerning its use at Low Mass, or during Lent and Holy Week.[1]

In some churches, particularly in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, a large (and sometimes decorated) gong, struck with a mallet, may be used during the celebration of mass as an alternative to the altar bell.[16]

References

[edit]
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Altar bell

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An altar bell is a small, hand-held bell used in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church during the celebration of Mass to signal key moments in the Eucharistic Prayer, particularly the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, a server rings the bell a little before the consecration as a signal to the faithful, and, following local custom, also at the elevations of the host and chalice after the consecration. This practice serves a practical purpose to foster attention and adoration during the transubstantiation, without any inherent symbolic meaning. The use of altar bells emerged in the late in northern European churches, initially involving the ringing of tower bells during the of the host to alert the congregation to Christ's Eucharistic presence. By the 13th century, smaller hand bells replaced larger bells for practicality within the church interior, coinciding with theological developments emphasizing the Real Presence and practices like the to enhance visibility. The custom spread to by the 14th century and was formalized in the Missale Romanum of 1604 under , mandating ringing at the and elevations. The (1545–1563) reinforced its obligatory status in the to emphasize the sacrificial nature of the . Following the Second Vatican Council, the 1969 revision of the under made altar bell ringing optional, allowing discretion based on local customs while preserving its role in drawing the faithful's focus to the sacred action. Today, the bell—typically a simple silver or bronze hand bell with a single clapper—is placed on the on the epistle side of the altar and rung by an with measured strokes to produce a clear, resonant sound. This tradition underscores the liturgical emphasis on communal participation and reverence during the pinnacle of the .

Overview

Definition and purpose

An altar bell, also known as a bell, is a small hand-held bell or set of bells—often three to symbolize the —typically made of or , used on or near the altar during Christian liturgical services, particularly in the Roman Catholic tradition. These bells are designed for clear, resonant tones suitable for indoor spaces and are often placed on the on the epistle side of the altar for easy access. The primary purpose of the altar bell is to provide an audible signal to the faithful, alerting them to significant sacred actions occurring at , such as the consecration during the , thereby encouraging attentiveness and reverence without interrupting the flow of the rite. This function fosters a of communal focus on the mystery unfolding, creating a "joyful noise to the " as referenced in liturgical practice. In practice, the altar bell is usually rung by an altar server or acolyte, who employs a simple arced motion to produce distinct strokes, distinguishing it from larger church bells that serve to summon congregations from outside the building to worship. Unlike those external belfry bells, which carry symbolic weight and are formally blessed, the altar bell typically receives a simpler blessing or none in some traditions, adapted for intimate, indoor liturgical signaling. The altar bell derives from the broader tradition of early Christian bell use, which began in the fifth century, but was specifically developed for the altar in the late twelfth century to announce elevations during .

Symbolism and significance

While the primary purpose of the altar bell is practical, some interpretations in attribute symbolic meanings to its sound. It is sometimes regarded as echoing the "voice of the ," drawing from the imagery of , where the Lord's voice thunders powerfully. This auditory cue can proclaim the divine presence during sacraments, inviting the faithful to recognize God's in the sacred rites. Theologically, the altar bell holds importance in Catholicism by drawing attention to the Real Presence of Christ in the , serving as an audible reminder of this pivotal . In some traditions, it may signify the awakening of the soul to prayer or the presence of angels around , calling believers from worldly distractions to spiritual attentiveness. Beyond doctrine, the altar bell enhances the cultural dimension of by creating a multisensory encounter that stirs and reinforces communal bonds, as its clear tones unite participants in shared reverence and . Similar to church bells, some blessings invoke a protective role against for bells in general, though this is not central to the altar bell's liturgical function.

History

Early origins in Christianity

The introduction of bells into occurred in the , credited to , bishop in , who employed them as a practical means to summon monks to communal in an age lacking mechanical timekeeping devices. This innovation addressed the need for audible signals in monastic life, replacing earlier methods like wooden clappers or trumpets used in some Eastern monastic traditions. From their origins in , bells rapidly spread across the Western Church, particularly within monastic communities where they served to announce the hours of the divine office and gather the faithful for services. By the , this practice is evidenced in St. Benedict's Rule, which references a "signum" to mark the times for , interpreted by contemporaries as a bell. Early adoption was concentrated in and , facilitating organized worship amid the disruptions of late antiquity. Possible Eastern influences on this development include parallels with ancient Jewish practices, such as the small golden bells sewn onto the high priest's garments in the Temple to signal sacred movements and ward off peril, as detailed in Exodus 28:33-35. These elements became feasible for public Christian adaptation after Emperor Constantine's in 313 AD legalized , allowing the integration of resonant symbols into emerging liturgical forms. A pivotal moment came in 604 AD when formally approved the use of bells to call the faithful to , signifying their official incorporation into Western liturgical practice. This endorsement transitioned basic signaling bells toward more specialized forms, including those employed at during key ritual moments.

Medieval development and

During the late , the use of small bells, known as bells, began to emerge in Western European churches as a specialized liturgical tool during the Eucharistic , serving to replace or supplement the louder tower bells and allowing the congregation to focus inward on without external distractions. This shift addressed the growing emphasis on the consecration as a moment of profound mystery, with early mentions of bell ringing at the appearing in the writings of Ivo of around 1116, marking an evolution from general summons bells to precise ritual signals. Standardization within the accelerated in the 13th century, as rubrics in medieval missals explicitly prescribed the ringing of these bells at the and during the elevations of the host and to heighten awareness of the . These reforms, drawing from earlier traditions like those of the Cluniacs, integrated the bells into broader devotional frameworks emphasizing communal participation in the sacred rites. Regional variations were evident, with earlier adoption in and where bells were sometimes hung in external bell-cots or outside church structures to amplify the signal for distant worshippers during the . This practice reflected the influence of scholastic , which promoted sensory aids like bells to engage the faithful's perceptions in worship and underscore the real presence in the . By the 13th century, altar bells had become a standard feature in Western European churches, closely aligned with the era's intensified Eucharistic devotion following the Fourth of 1215.

Design and variations

Materials and construction

Altar bells are primarily constructed from or , selected for their acoustic properties that yield a clear, resonant tone essential for liturgical signaling, as well as their durability under frequent handling. , in particular, is favored in cast form to achieve precise tuning, while offers a cost-effective alternative with similar . Some models incorporate silver over the base to enhance aesthetic appeal and resistance, though this is less common in everyday use. The construction process involves the bells in specialized molds, often by skilled artisans, to ensure harmonic resonance and structural integrity; each bell typically features one or more internal clappers—usually metal—to produce the desired sound upon striking. While sets commonly consist of two to four bells of varying pitches, mounted on a shared or base for coordinated ringing, traditional rubrics recommend a single hand-held bell for its simplicity. Individual bells measure approximately 3 to 6 inches in diameter and stand 5 to 7 inches tall to facilitate portability during services. Historically, early medieval altar bells from the late were simple, portable hand bells made without elaborate decoration, prioritizing functionality for indoor use in northern European churches. Maintenance of altar bells focuses on preserving their finish and tone; regular polishing with non-abrasive cloths or specialized metal polishes prevents tarnish on or surfaces, ensuring longevity and clarity of sound. Most bells are designed as portable units for easy placement near , though fixed variants exist for calling , adapting to different liturgical setups without compromising the hand-held tradition central to .

Types and regional differences

Altar bells, also known as sanctus bells, vary in form to suit liturgical needs and practical considerations. The simplest type is a single hand-held bell, often used for its portability and ease during , allowing a server to ring it quickly at key moments. More elaborate configurations include multiple-bell sets, typically comprising two to five bells tuned for a harmonious chime, which produce a richer sound to emphasize solemnity. These sets may feature individual bells or those with double clappers for varied tones, and some are designed as wall-mounted versions for fixed placement near . In European traditions, bells often exhibit ornate Gothic-style designs, crafted with intricate handles depicting angels, saints, or evangelists in gold-plated to reflect artistic heritage. German examples, such as four-chime sets, highlight regional craftsmanship with polished finishes and symbolic engravings. Following the Second Vatican Council, Catholic liturgical practices saw a reduction in the obligatory use of altar bells, particularly during the consecration, as the vernacular Mass made cues more audible to congregations, with ringing becoming optional in many parishes. In contemporary settings, some churches adopt electronic alternatives, such as digital carillons or chime systems, to ensure consistent tones without the maintenance of metal bells, especially in spaces where traditional ringing might be impractical.

Liturgical use in Catholicism

During Mass

In the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, the use of altar bells during Mass is optional and governed by local custom to enhance solemnity without disrupting the liturgy. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), when appropriate, a server rings a small bell a little before the consecration as a signal to the faithful, and, according to local custom, the server also rings the bell as the priest elevates the host and then the chalice. Common customs include ringing the bells three times during the epiclesis—the invocation of the Holy Spirit over the gifts—prior to the consecration, as well as during the elevations to draw attention to the Real Presence. These rings, typically performed by an acolyte or server, serve to heighten the congregation's focus on the transubstantiation, though the GIRM does not mandate the practice or specify the number of rings, emphasizing instead its role in fostering reverence. In the Extraordinary Form, as prescribed in the 1962 Roman Missal, altar bells are rung more frequently to underscore key moments of the Eucharistic Prayer and Communion rite. The ringing begins with three peals during the to alert the faithful, followed by a single ring at the Hanc igitur prayer during the consecration, and three rings for each —of the host and then the —typically consisting of one ring at the genuflection before, one during the itself, and one after the . Additional rings occur once after each recitation of the Domine, non sum dignus by the , totaling three times before Communion, with the or thurifer responsible for executing these according to the rubrics in the Ritus servandus to emphasize the mystery of . Unlike the Ordinary Form, these prescriptions in the 1962 Missal provide a more structured sequence, though variations in the exact number of peals (e.g., single versus triple) may arise from longstanding local traditions approved by ecclesiastical authority. This ringing acts as an audible cue to the Real Presence, reinforcing the liturgical focus without altering the rite's solemn progression.

In Benediction and other devotions

In the rite of , the altar bell is traditionally rung during solemn celebrations to foster attention and reverence toward the exposed . It signals key moments such as the of the and the final blessing, drawing the faithful to adore Christ's presence. This practice extends to outside formal , where the bell may mark transitions in prayer. In other Catholic devotions, altar bells appear in contexts emphasizing adoration, such as when followed by , to punctuate liturgical movements. During processions like the Feast of Corpus Christi, servers may carry and ring bells alongside the Blessed to enhance solemnity and invite participation. The use of altar bells in these devotions is not governed by strict rubrics, allowing flexibility in modern observance. Unlike in , where ringing aligns with consecration and often involves multiple chimes, in devotions the bell is typically used sparingly to underscore contemplative rather than sacrificial action.

Liturgical use in other traditions

In Eastern Orthodox practice, hand-held altar bells or bells of the type used in the are not a traditional feature of the . The liturgy maintains a continuous flow of and , particularly during the Anaphora (Eucharistic ), without interruption by internal bell ringing to signal moments like the Great Entrance, consecration, or distribution of Communion. Instead, small bells attached to the () produce rhythmic jingling during the swinging of in processions and other actions, adding to the auditory texture of the service. Rather than altar bells, employs other instruments for liturgical and pre-liturgical purposes. The —a wooden or metal board struck with a —serves to summon the community to worship, especially in monastic settings, and is struck in measured patterns to evoke solemnity. In Slavic traditions, such as Russian or Serbian Orthodoxy, church bells outside the building may be rung at significant times, but intra-liturgical signaling relies on verbal cues, , or silence. These instruments contribute to the sonic ensemble of Orthodox worship, announcing transitions and conveying spiritual depth, such as joy during processions or reverence in prayer, while harmonizing with hymns and larger church bells. Regional variations exist: the semantron retains prominence in Greek and monastic traditions as a Byzantine-rooted tool for gathering the faithful, whereas Russian and Slavic rites more commonly use fixed church bells for calling to services, influenced by later historical developments. In some contemporary Western-influenced or parishes as of 2025, altar bells may occasionally be introduced, but this remains non-traditional.

Protestant denominations

In Protestant traditions, the use of altar bells—small hand-held or multi-bell instruments rung during key liturgical moments—generally diminished during Reformation-era reforms that simplified worship to focus on scripture and preaching, reducing associations with medieval ritualism. However, some denominations retained or adapted the practice in liturgical settings to signal sacred actions like the consecration, without implying . In , altar bells are used in high-church or confessional settings during the Divine Service, where they may be rung at the to draw attention to Christ's presence in the , aligning with emphases in historical Lutheran orders. This persists in some contemporary services, though not universally required. Anglican usage varies by tradition, with altar bells (often called Sanctus bells) employed in Anglo-Catholic parishes during the to mark elevations of the bread and wine, as well as the . The allows flexibility for such elements to enhance solemnity, though low-church settings typically omit them. This may involve ringing at pivotal moments, using hand bells or similar. In Methodist and Reformed traditions, altar bells appear infrequently in formal services like the United Methodist Church's Lord's Supper, optionally signaling the distribution of elements to foster reverence. Recent decades have seen some evangelical and ecumenical Protestant communities revive their use in Eucharistic celebrations for a sense of sacred pause, though it remains optional and congregation-specific.

References

  1. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20030317_ordinamento-messale_en.html
  2. https://www.romanitaspress.com/the-altar-bell-part-1
  3. https://archwaysmag.org/when-and-why-do-the-altar-servers-ring-a-bell-at-mass
  4. https://smoy.org/blog/altar-bells
  5. https://adoremus.org/2005/03/sanctus-bells/
  6. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/bells-at-the-consecration-4960
  7. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/talks-on-the-sacramentals-11209
  8. https://aleteia.org/2017/08/31/the-surprising-spiritual-power-of-church-bells/
  9. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/an-exorcist-explains-why-the-devil-hates-bells-so-much
  10. https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=3665
  11. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13432a.htm
  12. https://www.churchproducts.com/altar-bells.html
  13. https://www.zieglers.com/4-tone-altar-sanctus-bells-cast-bronze/church-goods/
  14. https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/altar-bells/liturgical-bell-3-tone-silver-plated-bronze
  15. https://stpatricksguild.com/bronze-altar-bells-high-polished-finish/
  16. https://www.bronzebells.com/bronze%20bell%20maintenance.htm
  17. https://www.autom.com/category/church-supplies-altar-furnishings-and-supplies-altar-and-sacristy-bells
  18. https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/altar-bells
  19. https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/altar-bells/gothic-altar-bells-3-bells
  20. https://www.holyart.com/liturgical-accessories/altar-bells/altar-bell-four-evangelists-in-gold-plated-brass
  21. https://staustin.org/news/bells-mass
  22. https://dio.org/catholic-times/hey-father-why-are-bells-rung-at-the-consecration/
  23. https://www.verdin.com/electronic-carillon-bells/
  24. https://epriest.com/liturgies/view/2391
  25. https://www.romanitaspress.com/the-altar-bell-part-2
  26. https://worldspirituality.org/vespers-benediction.html
  27. https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/eucharistic-processions-and-pilgrimages-for-children
  28. https://www.drgareth.info/Benediction.pdf
  29. https://orthodoxwiki.org/Divine_Liturgy
  30. https://www.goarch.org/-/the-divine-liturgy-of-saint-john-chrysostom
  31. https://orthodoxwiki.org/Semantron
  32. https://www.russianbells.com/ringing/typikon-bellringing.pdf
  33. https://www.pravmir.com/bells-as-an-orthodox-experience/
  34. https://orthodoxchristianethos.com/2023/07/29/the-sweet-sound-of-the-church-bell-calling-all-to-worship/
  35. https://www.orthodox.net/articles/2010-08-15-sanctus-bell.html
  36. https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2022/6/22/y7onzchyccmbkqm3vq6acb4j0texo0
  37. https://www.episcopalchurch.org/glossary/sanctus-bell/
  38. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/what-is-the-significance-of-bell-ringing-in-the-church
  39. https://www.christianforums.com/threads/altar-bells.7940558/
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