In most of the churches we will visit on this pilgrimage we will find a bell tower.

The bell usually rings out to remind people in that community that worship to Almighty God is about to happen.

“The ringing of the bells reminds us that only in 1220, after Francis’ visits to Egypt and the Holy Land, in his First Letter to the Custodians Francis called for bells to be rung every hour so “praise may be offered to Almighty God by everyone all over the world”.

Several new practices including the ringing of bells began at this time strongly suggesting the influence on Francis of Muslim worship and religious practices.

This began a practice in Christian lands which continues in the spirit of St Francis, who so abounded in God’s praise, to this day.”

Why not ring a small bell every hour today, or put a timer on your phone, and each hour give thanks to God for the world we live in.