This painting is named for a Catholic devotion commemorating the incarnation and for the bell that was rung to accompany this devotion as a call to prayer and goodwill. It is an example of Realism painted by French artist, Jean-Francois Millet. He did another well-loved and similar painting called The Gleaners in 1857. These works share a rural setting and both reside at the Musee d’Orsay in Paris.

Much has been written about this painting, about the exact narrative and parts painted over and added. Millet is quoted that this was a memory of his childhood working in the fields. When the church bells rang, his grandmother insisted that everyone stop working and say a prayer for the poor departed. This is a beautiful, soft depiction of just such a quiet and reverent moment when the church bells rang.

I find myself wishing there were more church bells ringing now. As the count of poor departed climbs in this pandemic and violence, conflict and uncertainty bring their own losses, I wish the church bells would ring. As the need for goodwill and calm words and actions could not be greater, I wish the church bells would ring. I wish they would ring and stop each of us repeatedly in our daily, routine tracks to pray.

In their absence, in these days, maybe we can vow to hear their call to prayer in our hearts and to remember this beautiful painting each time we do. Maybe we can remove our hats and fold our hands in communion with this devout young couple and pray with them in pure simple faith to our God of steadfast love and peace. Could there be a more important time for this practice?

May we now imagine and answer the call of the angelus.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families

Montview Church