The Tablet Staff

Beginning Friday, April 3, parishes in the Brooklyn Diocese with outdoor bells are being called to ring them every day at 3 p.m. as part of a new initiative known as “Bells of Hope.”

“The ringing of the church bells will inspire us as New Yorkers and citizens of the world, of all faiths, the strongest of believers and the nonbelievers, to unite in prayer against this virus,” Bishop DiMarzio said

“As our city, and especially our boroughs, remain the epicenter of this Coronavirus pandemic, each day we will ask Almighty God to bring an end to this illness which has caused great pain and suffering for many people of the Diocese in Brooklyn and Queens,” he added.

Bishop DiMarzio’s announcement comes as the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection and the Easter Season draw near. 

“Bishop DiMarzio has selected 3 p.m. as the daily time, to coincide with the hour of the death of the Lord and of Divine Mercy,” the diocese said in a press release.

The initiative will continue in the diocese’s 185 parishes throughout the coronavirus epidemic. Currently, all churches and rectories in the Brooklyn Diocese are closed until further notice as a preventative measure.

Masses have been suspended, and all Memorial Masses, Weddings, and baptisms are to be postponed. Confirmations and Communions have also been postponed in efforts to avoid the spread of the virus. 

 “We may or may not know for whom these bells will toll,” Bishop DiMarzio explained. “However, we will pause to honor those who are suffering, who have died, and give thanks to God for those putting their lives at risk for others.”