Las Posadas at the Cathedral of the Madeleine

Intermountain Catholic

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  I was delighted to participate in the Cathedral of the Madeleine celebration of Las Posadas on Dec. 16. This para-liturgical celebration was one of many such celebrations throughout the diocese. This charming prayer service, which includes the rosary, celebrates that part of the nativity narrative when Joseph is looking for a room for Mary to give birth to the Christ child. A group of singers stands outside in the cold while a second group of singers waits in the vestibule of the cathedral or church, responding to Joseph's entreaty that he might be given a room for his pregnant wife. When those inside learn that it is Mary, the mother of God, who is to give birth, they immediately and excitedly respond by saying, “Come in! Do come in!” This beautiful reenactment is a wonderful reminder for all of us as we are encouraged to welcome Jesus into our lives this Christmas. There are so many ways in which we inhibit the love of God in our lives and Las Posadas is a prayerful ritual in which we ask God to give us open hearts and open arms so that we can receive the Christ child once again this year. I thank all in the diocese who participated in these wonderful rituals, which are so important in our local Church. And I also thank those who provided the wonderful receptions in which we visited with one another and deepened in our sense of community.