At dusk, on November 11, bells across Canada will be ringing to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
St. Anthony’s Parish in Drumheller will be participating in the ceremony called Bells of Peace, emulating the moment in 1918 when church bells across Europe tolled as the fighting ceased in the war to end all wars.
St. Anthony’s Pastor Father Fernando Genogaling explains the church was approached by the local Legion, and then the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops also said the Catholic Church would participate nationally.
“It is important because these soldiers dedicated their life for the country, for the freedom. For what we have now, they sacrificed their lives,” said Father Fernando.
He explains the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops outlines the protocol for the ceremony.
The bells will begin to toll at sunset, precisely at 4:46:15 p.m. and will ring 100 times to commemorate the signing of the Armistice that ended the war. The bell will ring in five-second intervals.
Not only will the bell ring, but Father Fernando says parishioners who wish to participate will be praying.
“I think that it is important not only that we are ringing the bell but we are praying the rosary,” he said.
Everyone is welcome to come for the ceremony or to pray. The church will be open at 4:30 p.m. on November 11.
