There's a municipal ordinance that's making noise, or rather, breaking the silence that's lasted thirteen years. In Cabras, at least for the holidays, residents will once again be able to hear the bells ringing. In 2013, they were silenced by a court ruling due to their excessive noise, which exceeded the permitted limits. The decision came after twelve residents protested, filing a lawsuit against the church over the disturbance caused by the excessively loud ringing. Now, however, at least for the most important holidays, that sound will be heard again.
The ordinance
This is a gift for the town. Thirteen years ago, many in Cabras rebelled against the protests of those living near the church of Santa Maria. Years later, Mayor Andrea Abis has considered a solution: "The extraordinary ordinance regulating the use of bells during certain religious holidays, during a specific time slot and for a predetermined period, will allow the bells to be heard again, regardless of the judge's decision, which essentially ruled on the daily and systematic use of bells. This, however, is an extraordinary and temporary exemption. The ringing of bells, within the context of religious services, is a traditional and symbolic element intimately connected to liturgical celebrations and community life." Abis is keen to point out that there's a reason why so many years have passed: "The entire system needed an overhaul and major maintenance after years of inactivity. The municipality allocated ten thousand euros for this operation some time ago. That's why the ordinance was only issued now."
The rules
As stated in the ordinance, the extraordinary ringing of bells is permitted on Christmas Day, December 24th and 25th. Then, at Easter, from the eve of the celebration until Easter Monday, for the feast of San Salvatore, for the patron saint, and for the feasts of the Sacred Heart, Saint Anthony, and Saint Peter. On these days, extraordinary ringing is permitted from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The bells may be rung 15 minutes before the start of the celebration and within 10 minutes after the conclusion of the celebration. Parish priest Monsignor Giuseppe Sanna makes no secret of his joy: "The bells, which during moments of celebration bring the community together and give it a sense of joy and identity, have been missing. Now, thanks to this ordinance, they will finally ring again." The town has actually already heard the bells after 13 years: it happened last Saturday, early in the morning, when the statue of San Salvatore was carried by runners in procession outside the church. Before the barefoot race, everyone was in for an unexpected surprise, followed by a huge round of applause.
