A modernized, Americanized version of the story of the juggler who performs before the statue of the Virgin Mary.
In this gripping, heartwarming contemporary version from Paulist Productions, Barnaby ekes out a bare existence juggling in the street for coins. He is broken-hearted over the death of his wife and best friend. Barnaby drifts aimlessly until he lands in a small community where he is treated kindly. As Christmas approaches, all are making special gifts for the Lord.
Barnaby, a circus juggler, wanders about as a beggar after the death of his wife - Beatrice - from the high wire. Followed by an admirer and fellow beggar named Sparrow, Barnaby finds he is more successful at begging and soon teaches Sparrow to juggle. The two become good friends and Barnaby is happy until Sparrow is killed by thieves. Barnaby throws away his pins, balls, hoops, and other things - not wanting to juggle anymore.
Alone and mourning - Barnaby wanders about aimlessly until he comes to a small town with a church called Notre Dame. The church was nearly destroyed by an earthquake and the townsfolk are determined to restore it and make it a "as worthy as its namesake in France." Barnaby is taken in as a model by a sculptor named Jonas - who sculpted the statue of Our Lady. The statue has the same face as Barnaby's wife. Asking about the model, Barnaby is told that the face was of some woman Jonas saw briefly and never saw again. Jonas has a sister named Dulcy who sees Barnaby as a worthless transient.
As Christmas Eve approaches, the parishioners are making gifts to be given at Midnight Mass and set before the statue. Barnaby has no gift and aware of Dulcy's dislike, leaves only to come to church long after everyone has left. Suddenly Sparrow appears and is told that "by some special grace" he has a few minutes to talk with Barnaby. Barnaby bemoans the lack of love in the world and is corrected by Sparrow who tells him that he, God, and Beatrice still love him. Sparrow tells Barnaby to look at the love restoring the church and in the gifts people brought. Barnaby looks about at all the gifts and also sees pins, hoops, and balls. He is then told by Sparrow to juggle for Our Lady - who is holding a red rose. After a little hesitation Barnaby starts to juggle to Sparrow's approval. Sparrow then disappears. Soon the altar boys come by, see Barnaby and tell the priest, who on seeing Barnaby juggle, tells the boys to get the other parish members. All come and watch in amazement at Barnaby juggling before the statue. When he finishes, Barnaby bows and with everyone watching, looks up at the statue of Our Lady which comes to life, smiles, and tosses Barnaby her rose. All marvel at the miracle, including Dulcy who makes the sign of the cross and kneels. The movie ends on that scene.
