I’m delighted to share that this week I’ve been celebrating 50 years! On May 8, 1975 I was wearing white-face on Fountain Square in Cincinnati for the inaugural performance of the The Fountain Square Fools: Portable Theatre Proclaiming Good News. What an amazing launch this was for my ministry through the past five decades. The Fools performed in sanctuaries, shopping malls, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, at retreats, conferences, universities and workshops. “Fooling around” became my life call … a chance to not take myself too seriously, and to embrace a sense of awe, playfulness and wonder as the wellspring for dance, faith, and service through all dimensions of life. I am so grateful for this foolish foundation!
I certainly felt a dose of wonder & joyous surprise at the news of our new Pope Leo XIV hailing from the south side of Chicago! I am so inspired to learn that Pope Leo spent 20 years in Peru (as did my own Uncle Bob, SJ) serving the poor. The fact that our new Pope chose the name Leo is an inspiring connection to the Pope Leo XIII who addressed the church in the modern world and launched a long line of Catholic Social Teaching on injustice and the need to connect faith with the social issues of the day.
My Uncle Bob had a beautiful saying, “May we all be as wise as Fools!” Being willing to make choices that are based on the radical hospitality of the Gospel may seem foolish in the eyes of the world … but is truly the invitation to live life with courage & heart.
Are you called to foolish wonder, radical hospitality, and the gift of sacred surprise? Here is a video to honor 50 years … and to invite you into some foolishness of your own! Below that, you’ll find a few more invitations for play as we near the summer season.
The Love of Thousands: Video Release Party!
(New Date) – Saturday May 31, 2025
10-11:00 am Pacific – on Zoom!
Our collection of 20 dance videos & 20 teaching videos is complete! Now we offer a playful hour to celebrate the collaborations & hard work of this beautiful series. Join me and guest choreographers to hear some of the stories of creation & inspiration, and dance along with us – as well as Angels, Saints & Ancestors – for some fun!
Writing on the Wild Edges
Monday May 12-Friday May 16
Join Christine Valters Painter and other wonderful guides from Abbey of the Arts to explore a week of writing together! Starts Monday, so hop on the boat if you are called!
I will be featuring a new dance with Karin Stevens filmed on Lake Union!
In Closing: Servant Song
I directed the Movement Ministry at my parish church of St. Patrick’s for 30 years, and now many of the young folks are taking next steps in their lives! I am so honored that Kathleen Santarelli Eliasser (who danced with me for 20 years) invited me to offer a blessing for her wedding last month. Here we are at our new parish, St. Joseph. What a beautiful meditation on how we are called to serve one another.
I felt like a proud mother witnessing Kathleen & Jeremy making courageous vows of service to one another. I’m wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the women whose lives have brought us to birth … through service & beauty for our world. May we all have the courage to live such a call!
Blessings!
Betsey
Betsey Beckman, MM
