Can a server process with Sanctus bells at a funeral?

[JD27076]

I was recently watching Molokei, a movie about the life of St. Damien, and there was a funeral procession scene with an altar server who was processing with sanctus bells. Waving them up and down at a even interval. I thought that was nice.

Is their any liturgical law against this? For this?.. I much prefer incense, but in case their incense cannot be brought out, could Sanctus Bells work instead?

 

[YoungTradCath]

I do not know of such a custom.

 

[JD27076]

Here is the scene from the movie. Maybe you can see it behind the tree branch.

 

[YoungTradCath]

At least it seems reverent and fitting. I don’t think it’s out of place. A military chaplain I once knew had an altar boy ring a Sanctus bell as he transported the Eucharist from the altar after Mass to the tabernacle, which was located some distance away in his own little private chapel. It was very nice, not at all weird.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

It may be that they had trouble gettting incense on the island. Or it may be a custom he brought from Holland. If this is really what happened at his funeral, it was very likely allowed if not common everywhere. I assume the movie was made by a Catholic film company which did a bit of research.

 

[Chatter163]

I believe that this was a director’s artistic tweak. Normally, bells are used in procession only in connection with the Blessed Sacrament. (Think Corpus Christi and Maundy Thursday.)