Fr. Michael Zampelli, SJ, co-presider, Mardi Gras liturgy

For optimum enjoyment, click on a sample of carousel or riverboat calliope music before proceeding to Dom Bettinelli's truly outstanding gallery of clown liturgy clips.

My favorite cutline: Sisters of St. Joseph in the mime troupe 'Faith-Filled Fools' stand around the quilt that was sewed together at an ecumenical prayer service recently when the Sisters declared their motherhouse property in Baden a nuclear free zone.

The subject of clowns receives an attendant airing here and here at the Catholic World News blog.

Who knew how widespread the Christian clown theme had become?

The "crucified clown" is explored artistically here and here.

A Mardi Gras liturgy at Santa Clara U. features lectors in carnival masks and an assistant campus minister as rolling juggler.

The Plowshares movement originated with a priest who dressed up as a clown to hammer missile silos, and who since has been immortalized, as it were, in a play.

A posting on clown clerics would be incomplete without Anglican Rev. Roly Bain, depicted here in action on the slack rope, in an unintended commentary on the current state of the Anglican Communion.

More Rev. Roly: At rest * As captured in oils * In collar

Elsewhere under the Big Top:

Did you know Willard Scott got his start playing Bozo? Give a listen to the Bozo March.

The late, lamented Brooklyn Bum is pictured at a website devoted to his inventor, Willard Mullin.

The pontiff appreciates acrobatics and has said Mass in St. Peter's Square for circus folk.

Fr. Jerry Hogan is chaplain to Barnum & Bailey. (Note: Site accompanied by music)