(ANS – Vienna) – For about three weeks the travelling circus “John” a Salesian inspired project set up by some young volunteers from Austria and Germany, has been putting on shows as part of an international tournament in various European countries to the applause and the smiles of children and their families.

They have travelled over 4,000 km in Austria, Italy and Croatia, and given 15 performances in front of  audiences of about 3,000 – most of them children. At the last performance alone on Wednesday  21 September at the Salesianum in Vienna, there were over 400 in the audience. “Don Bosco himself would have been very happy to be there” the Salesians from the community said recalling how the founder of the Congregation used to perform juggling and circus tricks to entertain the boys in his oratory.

With a mixed bill and live music the 18 performers of John’s Circus both entertained and made their audience think  as through their acts they transmitted the fundamental aspects of the Salesian charism and dealt with topics such as democracy, the multi-cultural society and joy in the simple things of life.

In fact before each performance the young artists established a close relationship with the youngsters in their audience  and invited the children to join in and learn some of the tricks and at the same time recognise that everyone has something to contribute in a group.

The “John’s Circus” students from Austria and Germany spent a year and a half preparing their show. Most of them have also had experience as volunteers in Africa, Asia or Latin America working with the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Salesian NGO “Jugend Eine Welt”, which has also helped them to know and appreciate even more the Salesian spirit and concern for the young.

“I was very moved visiting the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco” one of the performers, Emanuel Huemer, said. And Johannes Kugler added: “After my year of voluntary service with a Salesian street children project in Ecuador, this was my idea. I really enjoy working with children.”

Published 28/09/2011