the midnight mass of the Grüss circus has brought together, for Christmas, faithful from all walks of life under the big tent of the legendary Parisian big top since 1980. A suspended moment, where artists, families and spectators celebrate the Nativity in the heart of the ring.This year, it is Mgr Étienne Guillet, bishop of Saint-Denis, marked since his adolescence by his time with the Grüss, who will carry this symbol of hope and fraternity.
Table of Contents
- the midnight mass of the Grüss circus has brought together, for Christmas, faithful from all walks of life under the big tent of the legendary Parisian big top since 1980. A suspended moment, where artists, families and spectators celebrate the Nativity in the heart of the ring.This year, it is Mgr Étienne Guillet, bishop of Saint-Denis, marked since his adolescence by his time with the Grüss, who will carry this symbol of hope and fraternity.
- “A summary of humanity” gathered under a marquee
- A Circus Christmas: Celebrating mass at Folies Grüss
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Every December 24 at midnight, as 1980, the circus of Folies Grüss hosts Christmas mass right on its slope. A tradition born from the inspiration of Alexis Grüss, patriarch of the legendary French family of the same name, who died in April 2024. And this year, it is indeed the brand new bishop of Saint-Denis, mgr Étienne Guillet, who has the honor of celebrating this mass which will bring together nearly 3,000 peopel under the big top of the legendary circus, in the 16th arrondissement of paris. A beautiful symbol for the man of the Church who had completed an internship as a groom in this same circus,thirty-three years earlier.
“A summary of humanity” gathered under a marquee
- Alexis Grüss has been director of the Grüss Circus since 1971. Seeing Christmas approaching and the performances coming, he wonders, as a Christian, how to reconcile his show and the nativity Mass. The evening ends late and there are no churches available at that time in the capital. From there was born the idea of asking a priest to celebrate midnight mass on the circus ring. The Grüss are “a family like any other which has four children and numerous grandchildren, all involved in the circus adventure”, summarizes the Bishop of Saint-Denis, Mgr Étienne Guillet. A simple “troop” who still live an unusual daily life, but who wish to raise their children in the Christian faith.”At Christmas mass, there will be two first communions in the Grüss family. A beautiful symbol when we remember that Christ comes among men to make each heart a manger.” A choir of 200 singers will also be present during this mass, allowing the faithful to celebrate the joy of Christmas.”What is the vocation of a circus if not to spread joy? confides Mgr Guillet. The mission of the Grüss, this December 24 in the evening, will be to spread the joy of another, the joy of Christ.” A message of hope that Alexis Grüss was also keen to convey, he who gave an almost mystical dimension to the art of the circus. “The ring of my circus is round like the Eucharist.
A Circus Christmas: Celebrating mass at Folies Grüss
Bishop Mgr Guillet finds a unique spiritual resonance in the circus, recognizing it as a welcoming and joyful space for people from all walks of life. He observes that circuses uniquely bring together multiple generations and socioeconomic backgrounds, offering entertainment that is both tasteful and awe-inspiring. For Mgr Guillet, the circus embodies a vocation to foster joy through communal experience.
A Place for Communion and Wonder
When encountering a circus, mgr Guillet makes a point to attend, appreciating its inclusive atmosphere. “What I see is that the big top has the power to welcome all generations, grandparents and grandchildren, but also the poor and the rich. Do we have many places that welcome so widely to give a show that is always in good taste and that amaze for the right reasons? Looking more closely, there aren’t that many.” He emphasizes that delivering joy through live performance requires consistent dedication and investment. “And giving joy is never cheap. In live performance we start again every day, we invest as much as possible every day.”
Welcoming Jesus Under the Big Top
The Christmas Mass at Folies Grüss, which began as a private celebration for the Grüss family, has evolved into an event open to the wider community. Mgr. Guillet explains, “This unique mass brings together people from very different backgrounds: simple families, others who are more accustomed to it, people who come from far away or from the neighborhood.” He describes the gathering as a microcosm of humanity, united in welcoming Jesus. This sentiment powerfully connects to the prologue of the Gospel of John, which will be read during the service: “He has pitched his tent in the midst of us” (jn, 1, 14). Mgr Guillet concludes, “There is something very beautiful about celebrating Christmas under the tent of a circus, to welcome the one who has pitched his tent among us.”
practical details
Christmas Mass at Folies Grüss
21h: Grand spectacle
11:15 p.m.: Christmas Eve service
Midnight: 45th Mass under the marquee
Free entry