Las Posadas

by Paul Turner

A couple dressed as Joseph and Mary is accompanied by members of the community bearing candles. They walk in procession and approach a house in the neighborhood, praying and singing Christmas carols. They knock on the door and sing a special song for the celebration of Las Posadas. In this song Joseph, outside the house, requests lodging for the night because his wife is weary from the journey. Those inside sing back that they do not know the visitors and there is no room; the couple must go to another place. The candlelight procession continues to house after house. Finally, the residents of one home offer them shelter. All enter joyfully and celebrate a fiesta, complete with piñata.

This liturgical drama takes place every night until Christmas Eve. The custom allows all to express their faith in Jesus, to tell the story of Christmas for the benefit of children, and to keep their hearts fixed on the true meaning of the season. It connects the present generation with the past and binds a neighborhood into a stronger community.
 

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Paul Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.