Las Posadas is a traditional Hispanic Advent celebration symbolizing the search of Mary and Joseph for a place for Jesus to be born. Participants process from house to house, pretending to be Mary and Joseph. At each house the “pilgrims” sing the traditional song asking for shelter. Each house refuses them in turn. After being rejected several times, the “pilgrims” are granted entry into a house where they celebrate together.

Las Posadas means “the inns” and the participants on the walk are called “peregrinos” or “pilgrims.” It is typically celebrated as a novena, a nine day devotion, during the days leading up to Christmas. The tradition has possible origins in the religious order of Saint Augustine through Father Diego de Soria. He introduced the devotion in Mexico at the church of Alcoman in 1587. Lanterns or candles are often carried to symbolize the stars which illuminate the way for the shepherds who find their path to the birthplace of Jesus.

Las Posadas is of special significance in light of immigration, as we recognize that the story of the holy family is also the story of a migrant family. We observe the ritual knowing full well that, like the innkeepers, we are often more willing to reject the stranger who is unlike us and whom, in our blindness, we do not recognize. In our celebration of Las Posadas together and in our monetary support of Family Immigration Services, we are affirming our intention to be a welcoming presence to the “stranger” in our midst.

 Catholic Charities of Central Colorado invites you and your family to the inaugural

Rev. Groody served as one of 7 academic adviser to the Vatican’s conference on migration in November 2009.  He is Director of Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at Notre Dame and Assistant Professor of Theology.  He has spent many years working in Latin America, particularly along the US-Mexican Border, and is the author of various books and articles which have been translated into five languages.

This is part of Sacred Heart’s Catholic Social Teaching Speaker Series.  For more information on this event, call 719-351-7765.

Along the way, they will walk in the desert, talk with migrant shelter workers, listen to the experience of the border patrol, and pray together.  The purpose of the trip is to bring together people of faith and leadership within the Chrisitian community in Colorado Springs to take a stand for welcoming the stranger in our community.  The PPIRC recognizes the need for leadership on this issue from other faith traditions as well, and that this is only a start.  Corey Almond, PPIRC Director, and others at the PPIRC believe that our faith leaders have a responsibility to speak with a caring voice to the issue of immigration as it pertains to the lives of decent and good human beings, indeed as it affects our brothers and sisters in faith among us.

picture of Corey Almond, PPIRC director and Jesus Reyes, lead pastor at Centro Familiar Nueva Vida

Filling out immigration applications and paperwork can be daunting, but it does not always require the assistance of an attorney.  USCIS provides a list of BIA recognized and accredited agencies for seeking authorized help with immigration paperwork, and Catholic Charities  Family Immigration Services (FIS) is on that list.  FIS received partial recognition in 2008 and has accredited staff to help and serve low income immigrants and refugees with low cost, honest and fair assistance.

For qustions, please contact us at 719.632.8093.  For more information regarding this warning, see the  TPS Fact Sheet.

Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice is the theme of the 2010 National Migration Week, held January 3 – 9. The observance began over 25 years ago by the bishops to be a moment for Catholics to take stock of the wide diversity of the Church and the ministries serving them. As the face of the local churches continue to change, these materials are becoming more and more necessary. The materials created for National Migration Week also provide an important educational resource that can be used by individuals, families, schools, and parishes to learn about the complex issues surrounding migration phenomena.

Following the lead of Pope Benedict, who is focusing on “Minor Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we are focusing on migrant children as a sub-theme this year. Included in this year’s new material is a poster, a prayer card, and a bulletin insert that focuses on children’s issues. Additionally, we are launching a National Migration Week Small Grants Program that will provide funding for small projects related to migrant or refugee children, which are launched by parishes, schools and local Catholic organizations. In coordination with The Catholic University of America, a new educational website will focus on the important role that the Catholic Church has played in the immigration debate throughout Twentieth Century America. Finally, we are highlighting a fantastic new curriculum that and which was created by Jesuit Refugee Services. We hope that both educational sites will be a great resource for teachers, directors of religious education and others interested in this issue.

We hope that you will use the materials developed for National Migration Week as a resource for further reflection on these very important issues.  A wide variety of resources is available through USCCB publishing to assist you in this endeavor.  Contact them at 800-235-8722 or visit their website at www.usccbpublishing.org to browse Migration and Refugee Services material