- Silvio Mantelli
Fr. Silvio Mantelli, a
Salesian Catholic priest, whose principle ministry is that of a Gospel Magician. His stage name is "Mago Sales."He was born in
Torino ,Italy and is the Director of [http://www.Sales.it Fondazione Mago Sales] , an organization dedicated toGospel Magic . He travels throughout Europe and the Third World to perform magic for children. [http://www.unavoce-ve.it/03-02-22.htm Maghi salesiani ] ]Gospel Magic
He is the world's principle exponent of Gospel Magic, that is, the use of magic for
cathetical purposes. Don (the Italian honorific for priests) Silvio Mantelli presented a magic wand to thePope John Paul II in 2002 and petitioned the Pope to proclaimSt. Don Bosco the Patron of StageMagicians to which the Pope responded "You'll need a lot of magic wands to change our world; but let's make a start with this one!" [Willey, David. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2021595.stm Magician priest wants patron saint of magic] . BBC. Sunday, 2 June, 2002.]Magicians' Organizations
He is a member of the
Society of American Magicians , the Catholic Magicians' Guild and London's famedMagic Circle .Magicians' Mass
Don Silvio invites magicians and other performers from around the world to attend a special Magician's
Mass on theSt. Don Bosco 's feastday (January 31.) The Magicians' Mass is held inColle Don Bosco . They are invited to entertain the congregation.A Peaceful Christmas
Fr. Mantelli runs a "magic tricks for guns" program entitled 'A Peaceful Christmas" where any child who turns in a toy gun will receive a magic kit in return. The idea has spread to many Italian cities, involving more than 22,000 children. [ [http://www.sdb.ph/salesianbulletin/11-12-2002/salesian%20news%201.htm Salesian News Around the World ] ]
References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
