Boys Town, Neb, – After decades of silence, the beloved carillon bells of Boys Town’s Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Dowd Memorial, will once again ring out across the village, bringing back a treasured tradition that began with Father Edward Flanagan. The bells will start ringing on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. and coincides with the movie premier Heart of a Servant.
The carillon system, originally installed at Father Flanagan’s request during the chapel’s construction in 1941, played an integral role in the spiritual life of Boys Town. The bells tolled every hour based upon Big Ben at Westminster and rang the Angelus at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., marking moments for Catholics to pause and recite the rosary. This practice held deep personal significance for Father Flanagan, reminding him of his childhood in Ballymoe, Ireland, where he and his father would pause their work in the fields to say the rosary as they heard the bells from St. Croan’s Church. The Angelus is a traditional call to prayer for Catholics around the world.
“This restoration is more than just an upgrade,” said Father Mollner, National Director of Mission & Spirituality for Boys Town. “It’s a way to reconnect with our past and continue Father Flanagan’s legacy of spiritual reflection and community bonding. The sound of the bells reminds us of our shared history and the lasting impact of Father Flanagan’s vision.”
Today, as part of Boys Town’s commitment to restoring and preserving its historic buildings, the Dowd Memorial Chapel’s carillon system has been fully upgraded with new digital equipment. For the first time since the 1980s, the bells will once again ring on the hour and resume the tradition of the Angelus.
For many former residents, the sound of the bells brought a sense of peace, becoming an unforgettable part of their Boys Town experience. However, by the early 1980s, the original carillon needed updating, but no decision was ever made on a new system.
The new system also includes features that allow the carillon to play Christmas music and other special pieces throughout the year, reviving a musical tradition rooted in faith and community that Father Flanagan established over 80 years ago. The restoration of the carillon bells is part of a broader effort to maintain and preserve Boys Town’s historic structures, ensuring that the legacy of Father Flanagan continues to inspire future generations.
About Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
