After decades of silence, the beloved carillon bells of our very own Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Dowd Memorial, once again ring out across the village, bringing back a treasured tradition that began with Father Edward Flanagan. The bells resumed ringing on September 13, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., coinciding with the movie premiere 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.
Today, as part of our commitment to restoring and preserving the historic buildings on campus, 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, ensuring that the legacy of Father Flanagan continues to inspire future generations.
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.
