A Musical Call to Duty
Bos’ns
In the U.S. Navy an enlisted rating is a sort of job description, each rating requiring distinct skill sets and training. I was an Aviation Electrician’s Mate (AE) for example, responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft electrical systems. A Boatswain’s Mate (BM) must be an expert seaman, capable of taking command of tugs and other small craft. A boatswain (pronounced and sometimes spelled “bosun” or “bos’n”) also maintains ship and deck equipment and, significant to this post, must become proficient with the boatswain’s pipe, a palm-held whistle that dates back to the days of sail.
The high pitch of the pipe could be heard across an open deck in conditions when a human voice would be difficult or impossible to hear. The varying calls of the pipe communicated specific commands and messages to the ship’s crew.
In my more modern shipboard Navy experience the pipes regularly signaled reveille, sweepers, and taps, and opened most other communications over the 1MC, the ship’s public address system. The BM would pipe “Attention” before routine messages or “All Hands” before announcements regarding drills or emergencies. At the sound of the boatswain’s pipe we were to cease our other activities (as practical) and await the verbal directive. More information and audio examples of pipe calls can be found here.
Bugles
When not at sea I lived in barracks on the naval base. The ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the U.S. flag was and remains a solemn ritual no matter how large or small the base. We were trained that at the bugle call of “Attention” (amplified to be heard base-wide) all vehicular traffic was to stop, and those on foot were to turn in the direction of flag pole and stand at attention. The bugle would play “Morning Colors” or “Evening Colors” as the flag was raised or lowered. On special occasions the National Anthem was played, during which a hand salute was rendered by those in uniform. When the ceremony was complete the bugler would play “Carry On.” Audio examples can be found here.
Bells
A church steeple is a visible sign pointing toward heaven while its bells, often heard for miles, are an audible reminder of that heavenly reality even in the midst of earthly drudgery. A church in our neighborhood is close enough to hear its bells, though they are rung only on very special occasions. Our parish church about three miles down the road was built in 1985 and has an electronic control box that rings the steeple bells. The controller was inoperative for a few years, silencing the bells. Parishioners and some in the neighborhood of other faith traditions pleaded for a repair. A recent special collection led to a musical revival, though others in the neighborhood now miss the silence. Sigh.
A tradition beginning about the 11th Century is the ringing of the Angelus Bells. At its height the bells would call all within their hearing to pause and pray three Hail Mary’s morning, noon, and dusk. The Angelus prayer calls to mind that point when eternity entered into history: The Annunciation, Mary’s fiat, and the Incarnation.
Usually the bell is tolled nine times – three sets of three with a pause between each set – at 6am, Noon, and 6pm. Here is an example. While the tradition continues at some parishes for whatever reason it seems to have otherwise fallen into general disuse. That is a shame. While it’s true that we can set our electronic devices to remind ourselves to pray, in this time in history when church attendance is plummeting how much more should we be calling our neighbors to communal prayer? After all, if we old sailors can be trained to heed the bos’n and the bugle, why not the bells as well?
ACTION: If your parish rings the Angelus bells, great! Educate your friends and neighbors about their significance. If not, ask you pastor why not. Together, we can bring back this beautiful tradition.
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold, the handmaid of the Lord;
Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made Flesh;
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts;
That we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel,
May by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection,
Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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Featured Image: The Angelus (1857-1859) by Jean Francois Millet, Musee d’Orsay via wikimedia commons
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