The Angelus has been revamped and people aren't sure what to make of it

The chimes they are a-changing.

The Angelus is one off those uniquely Irish things that we don't fully understand, like to mock but are disproportionately protective of.

It's been a feature of Irish life since time began (actually, it started fifty years ago) and now the unthinkable has happened. RTÉ are actually changing it up.

To be fair, it's for a good reason.

RTE wants to update it to give people "of all faiths and none some quiet space in a hectic day-to-day world".

They have released a new set of filmsa new set of films of people pausing to reflect during the Angelus - which include a sand sculptor, a baker, a blacksmith, a book binder and a gardener.

They will also introduce a People's Angelus on a Friday with footage sent in from the public - with hundreds of submissions already received from schools and colleges.

RTÉ's Head of Religious Programmes, Roger Childs, says although the footage will change, the chimes will stay, as research showed a majority were in favour of keeping them.

"The bongs are staying, the bongs are staying" he said.

Phew!

"Given that this is a unique Irish tradition that's older than I am, I thought 'let's not be in a rush to change it - and if we are going to change it let's try and do it creatively and do it for something better" he added.

As the news broke yesterday, people took to Twitter to voice their surprisingly strong opinions on the subject as well as coming up with ideas for the new ideas for a more inclusive, reflective Angelus. There was also a lot of messing.

Recon the Pogues should be playing the #angelus with Shane McGowan singing bong bong bong @PatKennyNT

— Leah Burgess 📷 (@LeahBurgessIr) October 20, 2015

Revamp the Angelus you say? METALLICA I say MWAHAHAHAHAHA :-D https://t.co/JtlJWghUPR

— Terrys Tweets n Music (@TerryLingwood) October 20, 2015

One day a long long time from now I'll tell my grandchildren about the Angelus. Then I'll hear a faint bell and gaze out the window.

— Emma ✨ (@theemmanolan) October 20, 2015

Update: TD for Kerry Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has "condemned" the changes to theangelus saying:

"I strongly condemn any change in the way the Angelus is presented, the Angelus has been with us for decades and any watering down of it should not be allowed, it is a small bit of time out of peoples lives to reflect on things that are important and it should be retained on its present format".

More as we get it.