The story of Christ’s birth has been told and retold so many times it could have lost its luster generations ago. But it hasn’t - not even close. If anything, in this world of war, famine and natural disasters, holding on to something as simple and as singularly important as the Nativity story is a necessity to our faith. And perhaps nowhere on earth is the Nativity story told with more flourish and faith-based exuberance than in the annual celebration of Las Posadas, a tradition held throughout Mexico and Guatemala. The roots of Las Posadas stretch deeply into Latin culture. It originated in Spain, but it’s been a yearly celebration throughout Mexico for over 400 years. The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a warm place to stay the night. (Posadas is Spanish for “the inns”). Beginning on December 16 and ending nine days later, on December 24, Las Posadas commemorates the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Each night, one family agrees to house the pilgrims. And so it begins: At dusk, a procession of the faithful takes to the streets with children often dressed as angels and shepherds. Religious figures, images and lighted candles are a part of the festivities. The group representing the Holy Family stands outside a series of houses, singing songs, asking for lodging. They are refused time and again until the group reaches the designated house. Finally, the travelers are permitted to enter. Prayer and song continue in the home, and festive foods are shared. The tradition continues each evening with a different house as the chosen Posadas. The last night -Christmas Eve - usually features a midnight Mass. The nine days of Las Posadas are more than just a feel-good tradition: They deepens faith and strengthens ties within the community at a most holy time. Just as Mary and Joseph faced the cold weather and cold innkeepers that night, participants brave the elements in bringing their love for the Christ Child to their streets. Las Posadas isn’t about being somber and still during Christmas: It’s about pilgrims and a pilgrimage, rousing song, prayer and deep faith, all of it in motion. In the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Las Posadas has grown in popularity, and the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle has been holding Las Posadas for several years. At Sacred Heart we will proudly host a community celebration of Las Posadas on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m., to gather us all together to experience what Joseph and Mary went through, and to remind us of the struggles of our Latino parishioners and of the gifts that they bring with them to share in their new, adopted country. This will be a family event and all are invited and encouraged to participate.

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, six couples received the Sacrament of Matrimony through Fr. Mike and pastor of Holy Child Jesus Fr. Raul Ventura at Sacred Heart during a 2 1/2 hour mass. May God bless them all through the many years of their marriages!