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| Basilica, Mission San Juan Capistrano, California |
What a beautiful sound, those ringing bells in the tower of this church in San Juan Capistrano! The surrounding city is not filled with high-rise buildings, so the music moves well over the rooftops. Yet inside the church, and if the doors are closed, the music of the bells seems somewhat distant.
But isn't that part and parcel of churches? A place that is away from everyday life, a sense that peaceful respite is possible for some moments of our lives, a belief that refuge can be found?
Maybe, as I have, you bought into that whole concept so widely used in television programs, especially police stories, that someone fleeing from the authorities may claim sanctuary -- protection from arrest -- as long as they remain inside a church. But have you ever Googled that idea?
I did that for you, earlier today. And the answer is no. Sanctuary in a church does not protect one from criminal arrest. Of course, for the purposes of someone writing a story, a character may assume that refuge is still to be found there. And act upon that assumption. Simply requires another plot twist to resolve!
At least while inside, that character may enjoy some lovely bell-enabled musical interludes!
