Far atop the tower of this church sits the bell that was installed more than eight decades ago. It's difficult for anyone to see from afar, but the bell bears an inscription. It reads:
After more than twenty years of silence, the bell was rung again today, but only after the following prayer of re-dedication was proclaimed:
The last Mass of the day ended at noon. As we had finished the closing prayer, the bell began to sing the Angelus, and so we recited the words:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary ...
I am the handmaiden of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary ...
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Hail Mary ...
Pour forth, we besech thee O Lord, thy grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was proclaimed by the message of an angel
may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of the Resurrection
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then came the final blessing and dismissal.
Many comments about the revival of the prayers of the church were made as people exited today. There was joy in their voices too.
Rt. Rev. D.J. Scollard, D.D.
Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
Rev. Thomas H. Trainor, P.P.
St. Joseph's Church, Sudbury
Rev. J.A. Tourangeau, Asst.
Sept. 23, 1928
After more than twenty years of silence, the bell was rung again today, but only after the following prayer of re-dedication was proclaimed:
Prayer for rededication of the bell
Lord Jesus Christ, our brother and our saviour,
We praise you for your glory.
We thank you for calling us to be your Church,
And for sending us your Spirit
To guide us in our prayer and worship to the Father.
We thank you for the talent of craftsmen
Who have restored the towers of this church,
And who have made it possible for the bell in this tower
To once again sing your praises.
Bless them, and bless this bell, so that it may proclaim your praise.
Look on us with love as we gather in this place to praise you.
Teach us to recognize your presence among us,
And help us to work, suffer and pray with you.
Let our parish church be a sign of our faith and devotion,
A declaration that we are willing to serve you in others.
We praise you, Lord Jesus, and ask you to bless us,
For we are your beloved people,
One in the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.
The last Mass of the day ended at noon. As we had finished the closing prayer, the bell began to sing the Angelus, and so we recited the words:
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary ...
I am the handmaiden of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word. Hail Mary ...
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Hail Mary ...
Pour forth, we besech thee O Lord, thy grace into our hearts,
that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ thy Son was proclaimed by the message of an angel
may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of the Resurrection
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then came the final blessing and dismissal.
Many comments about the revival of the prayers of the church were made as people exited today. There was joy in their voices too.
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