The Heavenly Juggler

Christianity; Catholic; Catholicism; Medieval; Virgin Mary; Mary; Mother of God; Barnaby; Clown; Circus; Monastery; Monk; Prior; Brother; France; Legend; Anatole France; Talent; Gift; Service

Barnaby is a poor juggler who goes from town to town performing tricks to earn his daily bread. But when winter comes, the crowd disappears and so does his work. Cold, hungry, and alone, Barnaby is taken in by the friendly prior of a monastery. There the monks make beautiful works in dedication to the Virgin Mary: books, paintings, statues, and hymns—all are composed to honor her. But simple Barnaby is saddened that he has nothing to offer to the Virgin Mary—until one day, he realizes that he, too, has a special gift to honor the Virgin Mary and rushes to the cathedral to show her. What follows is a miracle for the pure of heart. Adapted from a beloved old French legend by award-winning author, Demi, this is the heartwarming story of how faith can lead us to use our talents in God’s service.