Bells for peace: Passau tradition meets Jerusalem

Bells for peace: Passau tradition meets Jerusalem

The community of Passau and the German -speaking Benedictine abbey Dormitio in Jerusalem are faced with a significant expansion of their sound identity. On August 2, a Saint Nikodemus bell and a peace bell will be poured in the traditional Perner bell foundry in Passau. These new bells complement the existing ringing of the abbey, which so far consists of four bells. Abbot Nikodemus Schnabel explains that these bells not only have acoustic but also symbolic importance.

financing through community sense

The manufacture of bells is financed by a significant private donation and a contribution to the knighthood with Saint George in Passau. The CEO, Konrad Kobler, a former member of the CSU, emphasizes that only a small part of the generous donation is used for the bells. The majority is intended for the urgently needed general renovation of the ringing, which includes the renewal of the ringing electronics and clockwork. This donation is a gift from the couple of a friend of Abbot Schnabel on the occasion of his abbot in May 2023.

a glimmer of hope in difficult times

The bells are flown to Israel in autumn. During the appointment for the ordination, which could not yet take place on the first Advent, December 1st, the projects have a deeper meaning in view of the continuing conflict in the region. Abbot Schnabel emphasizes that these bell projects were initiated on October 7, 2023 before the Hamas attack.

peace bells for the community

The knighthood as St. George has collected 25,000 euros for the peace bell, which Kobler describes as a sign of engagement: "Instead of weapons, we deliver bells and good tones". These words illustrate the desire to make a contribution to peace and harmony through the bells. Kobler adds that the new bell should embody a universal message for peace and speaks of the power of the bells: "They have a language that affects and is unassailable".

outlook for future projects

In addition to the current bell projects, the Georgs knights already think of another peace bell in the Benedictine Priorat Tabgha am See Genezareth, which is planned for the coming year. This initiative is part of a greater endeavor to promote peace and unity in the Holy Land.

- Nag