During the mass the bells are rang three times each when the Father is saying the words of the last supper. You know, when he raises up the bread and then the wine and then both. I see older parishiners take thier right hand and make a fist and lightly tap their chest when the bells ring. Why?
2006-06-10 19:26:30 · 7 answers · asked by srgone06 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The bell-ringing was used in the Tridentine Masses (from the 16th Century until the 1960s). In those masses, the priest spoke in Latin and turned his back towards the congregation. Even if you knew Latin (which lots of people didn't who were in the church), you couldn't see what the heck the priest was doing. The bells notify the congregation that the host and wine are now becoming the Body and Blood of Christ.
After Vatican II, churches are supposed to have stopped doing the bell-ringing, since it is pointless because the Mass is now said in the local language and the priest faces the congregation.
2006-06-11 13:26:17 · answer #1 · answered by the_alliance47 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
You must belong to an older parish church and you notice the older parishioners as well. You're talking about the Consecration part of the Mass when "transubstantiation" takes place. That's when the Eucharist becomes the body [the wafer host] and blood [red wine] of Jesus.
The three rings indicates that "moment" as the Eucharist is raised by the priest, then followed by the chalice being raised as well. [Today's Mass no longer[?] uses the ringing of bells during Consecration, I think??]
During this time, the parishioners of prior generations would tap their hearts and say a silent prayer "Lord, I am not worthy..." etc., which is the same prayer said upon taking Communion.
I've rang that bell many a times before, since I happen to be an ex-seminarian myself, is all. Well... also an ex-Catholic now.
Peace be with you!
2006-06-10 20:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am Catholic, and don't recall any bells ringing during Mass, and don't recall anyone putting their fist on their chests for anything. Are you sure that you go to a Catholic church?
2006-06-10 19:33:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is a sign of a solemn devotion to the Holy Eucharist by putiing your hand in your chest pointing to your heart and say " Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed". That means that we as men confess to be sinners and that is making yourself humble before God admitting your inadequacies. By saying this you also submit to God for forgiveness of both intentional sins and unintentional sins and that you may be cleansed in order to be worthy to receive Him.
2006-06-10 23:12:12 · answer #4 · answered by *** 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe."
Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:27-28)
Just like the Apostle Thomas, Catholics gently beat their hearts and silently pray, "My Lord and my God!" at seeing the real presence of Jesus Christ in front of them.
With love in Christ.
2006-06-11 10:39:01 · answer #5 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shows reverence to the body and blood if Christ, and one says," My Lord and my God
2016-08-19 07:51:11 · answer #6 · answered by Thomas 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my mom does this. she told me once why, but i wasn't interested so i didn't hear the answer. (answer to no question)
if i don't see an answer soon i will call her to ask.
2006-06-10 19:35:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋