Security forces are utilizing technology originally intended to prevent eavesdropping and thwart phone-triggered bombings to block ringing cell phones.
The reporters were the ones who first became aware of the situation. While they were engaged in reporting on the extravagant weddings of celebrities, they discovered that their cell phones were not functioning at Sacred Heart. Upon questioning the priest about this issue, they learned that Israeli counterintelligence was the cause of the disruption.
In Monterrey, four churches have inconspicuously integrated Israeli-made cell phone blocker, which are compact and resemble paperbacks, amidst their collection of religious artwork featuring the Madonna and statues of saints.
The loud and colorful ringing of cell phones is increasingly being stopped in places like religious sanctuaries, India’s parliament, Tokyo theaters, and commuter trains, thanks to devices that were originally developed to assist security forces in preventing eavesdropping and stopping phone-triggered bombings.
Jammers were put in place in the Indian parliament as a response to politicians consistently ignoring calls to power off their cell phones, causing disruptions in legislative proceedings.
After uncovering instances of exam cheating through text messaging or photographing test papers, Italian universities decided to introduce blockers as a preventive measure.
After being imported as a personal favor for a priest, the devices from Netline Communications Technologies Ltd., a Tel Aviv-based company, are now being used by the four Roman Catholic Churches in this northern city.
The Rev. Juan Jose Martinez, a spokesperson for the archdiocese, highlighted the fact that there are still many people who do not grasp the concept that attending Mass means partaking in a sacred moment with God. Regrettably, the utilization of these small devices became an inevitable choice.
Each unit was purchased for approximately $2,000, and they possess the ability to be remotely activated and emit radio frequencies at a low level. Their purpose is to disrupt cell phone signals within a radius of 100 feet.
Cell phone users may receive a notification on their devices stating that there is “no service” or that the “signal is not available.”
Wedding bells
Monterrey’s Sacred Heart church, a baroque temple favored by Mexico’s elite for weddings, had their blockers obtained by church officials two years ago.
The parish clerk, Bulmaro Carranza, noted that at weddings, cell phones would ring every five minutes without fail. This created a troublesome situation, as there were occasions when even the groom would overlook turning off his cell phone.
Unnoticed for an extended period, the devices only came to attention when reporters, who were present at the weddings, started registering complaints regarding the persistent failure of their cell phones.
Carranza stated that in light of the signal blocker becoming known to the public, priests from different regions in Mexico have been phoning him to learn how to acquire them.
At Sacred Heart, a device positioned at the entrance of the church and another near the altar are activated just before each Mass. Nonetheless, the priests consistently urge parishioners to silence their phones before the services commence, with the expectation that proper cell phone etiquette will eventually be embraced.
Martinez noted that The Rosario, San Juan Bosco, and Our Lady Queen of the Angels, as well as other Monterrey churches with the devices, attract wealthier parishioners.
Martinez pointed out that while the cell phone is indispensable for many, individuals should still uphold good manners and demonstrate respect for sacred places.
Margarita Escobedo, a practicing Catholic who diligently attends church services at least twice a week and actively contributes to the San Genaro church as a volunteer, openly embraces the idea of introducing jammers in her parish. Recognizing the increasing nuisance caused by cell phones, she believes that implementing jammers would help restore the sanctity and focus during religious gatherings.
It was mentioned by Escobedo that those who bring cell phones to church are not fully devoted to God. He highlighted the disturbance caused by unexpected noises such as birds chirping or techno music during prayer.
