Schedule for Christmas novenas - Posadas

Friday, Nov. 24, 2023

The Diocese of Salt Lake City has celebrated two traditional Christmas novenas for many years: the Filipino Simbang Gabi and the Mexican Las Posadas. Both bring the community together for prayers in anticipation of the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Las Posadas (Spanish for the inns) is celebrated each day from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24 and reenacts the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Traditional songs have people acting as Mary and Joseph asking for shelter outside the door, while inside the “innkeeper” refuses until at last the couple is admitted. Afterward, Mass is celebrated, and a party with a piñata for the children follows.

Simbang Gabi is a series of nine Masses traditionally celebrated at dawn each day from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23, but because of the weather in Utah they are held here in the evening. Different parishes host the Mass, which often is followed by a meal of traditional Filipino food.

For additional information, contact the parishes.

The schedule for the posadas follows. 

St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, 624 W. Lennox St., Midvale

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2840 South 9000 West, Magna

St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 7405 South Redwood Rd., West Jordan

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

65 East 500 North, Orem

Saint Andrew Catholic Church, 11835 South 3600 West, Riverton

Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 North Carbon Ave., Price

St. Henry Catholic Church, 380 South 200 East, Brigham City

St. Joseph Catholic Church

514 24th St., Ogden

All diocesan parishes and missions

For times, contact the parish.