Joseph Pronechen on the Naming of Church Bells

"In the recent devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Anne-Geneviève was unscathed. Safe, too, were Denis, Marcel, Étienne, Gabriel and their companions who all occupied the North Tower.

"In the South Tower, counted among those also miraculously unhurt in the devastation were Emmanuel and Marie. Emmanuel had been through much before, surviving the destruction of the French Revolution to announce the crowning of kings, visits from popes, major historical events like the end of World War II, and great Church feasts beginning with Christmas, Easter, and Holy Days.
Emmanuel is a bell. The largest at Notre Dame. His companions are also bells.

"Yes, bells are given names! It's nothing new. For centuries churches have traditionally named bells that ring from steeples across the landscape to call people to church on Sundays, remind them of the noontime Angelus, joyously proclaim weddings, sadly toll for funerals, and even play sacred hymns. . . ."

In a recent commentary, National Catholic Register staff writer Joseph Pronechen reflected on the practice of blessing, consecrating, and naming church bells.

To access Mr. Pronechen's complete post, please visit:

National Catholic Register: Blogs: Joseph Pronechen: Do the Names Ring a Bell? (6 JUN 19)