New bronze bell rings in a fresh era for St John's Co-cathedral's sonic heritage

Updated 6.35pm

St John’s Co-cathedral on Saturday celebrated the arrival of a new bronze bell that will add to its “unique sonic heritage”.

The newly cast bell has been named the “Carola Francisca” and will be joining the Grandmaster Pinto bell in the belfry tower after two days on display on the cathedral parvis.

Commissioned by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation and cast by the world-renowned Royal Eijsbouts Bellfoundry of Asten, Netherlands, Carola Francisca is the result of a “long-anticipated initiative” to restore harmonic balance to the cathedral’s historic bell ensemble.

Weighing 2,350kg, the new bell was meticulously designed using scans of original 16th and 17th century bells to ensure full acoustic integration and is tuned to a B natural musical note.

RCarola Francisca is tuned to a B natural musical note and will restore harmonic balance in the cathedral's bell ensemble. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

It will not replace any of the existing bells and the 1702 bell by Luca Menville will remain in place as a valued historic artefact. It will join the cathedral’s unique amalgamation of individual bells which were cast by various bellfounders between 1619 and 1748.

“This occasion marks a meaningful moment in the ongoing care and stewardship of one of Malta’s most iconic landmarks,” the Foundation said.

Cast in bronze, the bell is decorated with armorial shiels, Latin inscriptions, and sculpted cherubs, all echoing the traditions of 17^th century bellfounders.

It will remain on the parvis of the co-cathedral all weekend before taking its place in the belfry.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna blessed the bell on Saturday morning during a special ceremony following the jubilee celebratory Mass for External Feasts which was attended by volunteers who take part in outdoor celebrations of parish feasts.

In his homily, the archbishop prayed that "the Eucharist and the feasts we celebrate are not used by the enemy to break and divide us, but will be beautiful feasts that give us healing... and an opportunity where everyone feels welcome", including non-Maltese people who are living among us.

Speaking at the blessing ceremony, Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said the bell was "more than a musical instrument" but a "new symbol of respect for our spiritual and cultural heritage". 

He added the bell further embellishes a temple that already embraces beauty, art, and faith.