Why do Catholic churches have bells? Kuya Kim explains

The ringing of bells is one of the familiar sounds around Catholic churches. Ever wonder what is it for?

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Friday, the bells were first used in monasteries for communication purposes.

"Kasi nga noong araw wala pa namang wifi, walang telephone, puro tunog 'yung kanilang ginagamit. Mas malaki, mas malakas ang tunog, mas malayo ang dating," said Fr. Francis Lucas, President and CEO of Catholic Media Network.

("It's because back in the day, there was no wifi, no telephone, they can only use sounds. The bigger [bell], the louder the sound, the farther it can reach.")

"Ito ay sumasagisag ng pagtawag ng Diyos sa atin at saka pagbubuo ng isang sambayanan," he added.

("It symbolizes God calling to us and the creation of a community.")

Among the most important bells in Philippine history are the Balangiga Bells. They were seized by the United States during the Philippine-American War and were returned to the country only in 2018, after 117 years.

The biggest bell in Southeast Asia can be found in Sta. Monica Parish Church in Capiz. The Dakong Lingganay or Big Bell has a diameter of seven feet, height of five feet, and weight of 10,000 kilograms. It is also the third biggest bell in the world.

In the Spanish colonial period, one of the most popular bell makers was Hilario Sunico. One of his creations can be found at the Malate Church.

Meanwhile, the small bells used by altar servers during mass are called mass bells or altar bells. They are rang before a mass goer receives communion and whenever something sacred is happening at the altar.

—MGP, GMA News