Circus pastor brings the service to the pony world of Niedersimten!

Circus pastor brings the service to the pony world of Niedersimten!

In a special setting, an open-air service will be celebrated next Sunday in the Pony World in Niedersimten. Pastor Sascha Ellinghaus, who is known as the national pastor of the Catholic Circus and Showman Chaplaincy, will lead the ceremony at 11 a.m. The operators of the Pony World, Ann-Katrin and Jakel Bossert, are happy about this welcome change in everyday circus life and cordially invite everyone who is interested. The Rheinpfalz reports that a church service has been an integral part of the Landau Christmas Circus for several years.

Pastor Ellinghaus is not only active in his role as a pastor, but also brings a part of his lifestyle into his work. His van serves as a mobile sacristy, filled with everything needed for the service: altar tables, candlesticks, vestments and even the lyrics of the songs. He travels around Germany around 170 days a year and mainly meets families, artists and showmen at festival sites. According to an article in Die Welt, he marries children on bumper cars and marries couples in circus rings, which greatly strengthens his connection to people.

A special service for travelers

Ellinghaus sees himself not only as a pastor for the visitors to festivals, but primarily for the showmen themselves. They often face challenges due to their special way of life. He offers support and assistance in private and business matters. The education of the children who are born into this special world is particularly important to him. The Evangelical Church in Germany reports similar pastoral care efforts that have been carried out for over 50 years and look after a community of over 23,000 people.

Ellinghaus has also spoken out on social issues such as the ban on wild animals and the financial burdens that showmen face. The bonds within showman families are often very close, which forms an important part of their community and identity. On occasions such as the attack on the Christmas market in Berlin, Ellinghaus was quickly on site to assist those affected.

A church service for everyone

The service in the Pony World is aimed at a diverse audience: circus fans, artists, showman families, festival hosts and folk festival visitors are welcome. After the mass, Ellinghaus will bless the pony world and ask for God's protection. This not only shows the openness of the event, but also the integration of the different religious communities under one roof.

It remains to be seen how many visitors will make their way to this special service. What is certain, however, is that the combination of spirituality and circus creates a unique atmosphere that will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.