Off the Record

sophomoric By Diogenes | August 04, 2009 12:39 PM

Hurry! It's not too late. If you can rush over to the Jesuit Spiritual Center at Milford, you can still catch at least part of the show by the Wise Fools and Happy Stewards, who will regale you with "spiritual analogies illustrated by juggling, guided imagery prayer, clowning, engaging preaching, uplifting songs, and rituals of blessing."

While "guided imagery prayer" sounds like something that could fit with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius-- just ask James Joyce-- we're breaking some new barriers with the juggling and clowning. One theme for the ... um... event is "Mission: The Challenge Juggle."

These are not your father's Jesuits.

 

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• Posted by: centurion - Aug. 18, 2009 3:50 PM ET USA

  Back in the 40's while in high school( a Jesuit One) we were assembled on the the football field for an outdoor Mass presented by a visiting priest. It was a clown mass. I do not recall all the vestment variations, nor do I remember much other than some juggling. I do recall we were surprised and most of us did not like it. I can not see, then or now, how such a performance can raise one's heart and mind to God in a prayerful way. The form a Mass should conform to approved liturgical format.

• Posted by: Anselm - Aug. 04, 2009 10:32 PM ET USA

  Oh my, how disturbing. Thank the Lord I never witnessed a clown Mass in my youth, I probably would be in therapy. If this was geared for young kids and families with young kid , I probably would not have a problem if it is fun storytelling for them as a teaching tool, like VBS or something. If this is geared for adults and older kids, not to sure. But note, only one is a Jesuit, the rest is his family, and he is in clerical garb! Got to give him points!