The Bells of Easter are Ringing Again!

St. Paulinus - a wealthy statesman, a poet, and a convert to the Christian faith - was born in the mid-4th century in Bordeaux, France. He and his wife retired early, moved to Spain, and gave away their wealth to those in greater need. When his wife died, the people recognized his holiness and clamored for him to be made a bishop. While Bishop of Nola in Italy, Paulinus used his exquisite architectural taste in building a basilica in honor of St. Felix, his chosen patron saint. The basilica included a large church bell and, from that moment on, church bells throughout Europe were used to summon the faithful to the beginnings of Mass, holy feasts, or daily prayers, such as the Angelus. Psalm 150 proclaims: “Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!” We will ring the bells loudly at Our Lady of Victory Church in Purcell at the Easter Vigil and before each weekend Mass during Easter. How appropriate it is to remember that a convert is the one who began this marvelous tradition, on the night when millions of new converts are received into the Church. The Lord is risen! Alleluia! Let the bells resound with praise! Happy Easter to you all! - - - Fr. Jim