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Unexplained / Mysteries / The Truth Out There / The Mystery of the Miracle Bell / 


The Mystery of the Miracle Bell

Bell

Mysteries surround us everyday, some seen openly for what they are, some hidden in shadow; elusive and ever a quick-step beyond our clear and present vision. Of particular mystery are historical puzzles; strange events, places or objects surrounded by myth or tales of wonder.

In Americaa's Great Southwest, in one of America's most ancient cities, stands the oldest known Church in North America, San Miguel Mission Chapel located near the heart of the community.

the wondorous and mysterious Andalusian bell now hangs in the Church of San Miguel's souvenir room. Oh, what a history for a church bell in a city (City of Holy Faith) of known for its churches, great and small. One has to wonder how so many fine grand old churches arose in such a distant part of the new world so very long ago.

In the "City of Holy Faith" there are more churches than there are saloons, and it has always been that way. St. Francis Cathedral stands just off the town square and is one of the most photographed churches of the new world. Nearby is the thick adobe-walled Our Lady of Gaudalupe Shrine, while a short walk away takes you to massive old mission known as El Christo Rey.

But just down the street stands the ancient Church of San Miguel, built in 1610 and the oldest church in the new world. The old shrine was built and occupied a full decade before the Mayflower arrived on the distant eastern coast. Perhaps one of the greatest attractions inside is the Bell of Andalusian, weighing 780 pounds with four inch walls. It is the oldest bell in America, constructed in 1356 in Spain.

Before ever arriving in the New World, the bell developed quite a history. In the mid 1300's, the Spanish faithful were at war with the Moors. It was a losing campaign for the Spanish, battle after battle won by the invading Moslems.

In a desperate effort, the Spanish Catholics vowed to construct a bell in tribute to St. Joeseph, and prayed that in return he would turn the tide of war in their favor.

Villagers from miles around brought gold and silver to add to other metals that the "miracle" bell might be built. An inscription on the bell reads "San Jose, ruega por nosotros"...St. Joeseph pray for us! Be it the miracle of the bell or not, the tide of the war changed, and eventually the Moors were chased from Spain, giving the kingdom dominance in the region for centuries thereafter.

The bell was later transfered to the capitol of New Spain (Santa Fe) and placed at San Miguel. As the story goes, in the nineteenth century, a blind man who frequented the chapel and prayed to the Saints was suddenly astounded as the bell began to ring on its on volition. During this ringing, which occured often as he prayed, temporary sight was restored to him, though he had been blind since birth.When the bell stopped ringing, the old man was blind once again.

With his new-found vision, he was able to discribe, in detail, the alter and the vast ceiling above him; even the number of candles lighted within the old church building.

Local friars attempted to re-enact the "miracle" by ringing the bell themselves, but the old man's sight was restored only when the bell rang by its own power.

A few years later, the bell fell from the 50-foot ceiling and crashed on the floor before, never to be reinstated in its high place of glory.

But there are still, to this day, the faithful that travel to the little church in old Santa Fe to pray to the Saints, always in the presence of the bell, hoping that, once again, the miracle of the bell will be restored.



Rating : 4186     Comments      Discuss in forum
Comment from Billy Smith for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
I own a 6" tall, 6" Diameter at the base with the same writing as described from the original bell, 1356 date and all.
Comment from Ervin Aigner for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
I own a small bell with the words San Jose rugea por nosotros Trouble reading but pretty sure it reads auosta 2 1356. This bell is approximately three inch base and about two inches tall and made of bronze. My father found this beel in the tide waters of the lavaca bay on an ouster reef about 20 feet from the bank. He found the bell in the early 70's. The bell also has a eight point emblem on the face on one side and a four cornered top with a hole. The bell still has a solid ring to it.Is this a replica I don't know but it appears to copy the mystery beell described.
Comment from Ervin Aigner for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
I need to correct the height of the bell too approximately four inches and all the wording is readable and the date is augusta 2 1356.
Comment from Max Kurillo for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
TO; LEON- Yes there are two small bells that have the 1356 date. one 3in that we know little of and one 6" that was made by the Forbes foundry in LA, CA between 1920 and 1940. Ron and Janet Brown- the dates of 1356 on the large bell in Santa Fe NM is false, it should read 1856. Later in 2008 the American Bell Assoc. publication The Bell Tower will have an article concering all three of the 1356 bells.
Comment from leon for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
does any one know if any smaller bells were made or exsist? 6"high
Comment from ron for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
who and what ship brought the bell to santa fe n. m. in 1712 780 lbs of this bell would take a long time cross country. please explain how nicholas ortiz nino ladron de guevara did this task and what route was used. please this is so interesting to me. your my last hope for the whole story
Comment from Janet Brown for The Mystery of the Miracle Bell
The written material would not print. The picture of the bell printed just fine.
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