Las Posadas, a Nativity Novena, began the evening of December 15th and came to a completion on December 23rd.  For the first 8 evenings of the novena, the pilgrim statues of Mary and Saint Joseph were taken to a parishioner’s “host” home.  Upon arriving at the home, each person held a lit candle and sang the Loretta Litany to our Blessed Mother while processing to the front door of the home.  As the Litany ended, prayers were sung requesting that the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph be admitted. Those inside the home responded, in song, that they were not welcome (as they were not immediately welcomed in Bethlehem). Songs, as though in conversation, were sung inside and outside-back and forth, and, finally Mary and St. Joseph were received inside with joy.  Once admitted inside, prayers such as a Contrition prayer, a prayer to the Blessed Mother, a prayer to St. Joseph, and the prayer for the day were said, alternately in Spanish and English.  Christmas carols, such as Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, The Fishes in the River, and  Feliz Navidad were sung.  Refreshments were provided and the children hit a piñata.
 
The last night we met at the final host home, the Marino-Johnston’s, processed to the Gym, where Father Al greeted us, dressed as the Inkeeper.  Songs again were sung requesting admittance, and finally the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph were welcomed.  Inside the gym (church), Jesus is born!  He is represented by a life-size replica of the baby Jesus. Final prayers of the novena were said and each person came and kissed the baby and received a piece of chocolate after kissing him.  17 couples were asked to be “God Parents” of the baby and they lined up in front of the altar kneeling and facing each other.  The “Baby Jesus” was placed carefully in a beautiful white baby blanket and each couple gently rocked the baby as a special lullaby was sung in Spanish. After the last set of God Parents rocked the baby Jesus, he was placed on a table in front of the altar.  Tamales and the traditional fruit punch were then served.  Each person received a large, goody-filled treat bag.
 
Las Posadas was a gift and a blessing to each and every person that attended.  Some attended one night, some several, and some all. The number that attended each night varied.  A minimum of 20-30 attended (including children) every night and one night approximately 80 people were present!  Father Peter attended one evening and explained the spiritual significance of the piñata.  Father Al came two very special evenings.  The blending of the cultures was beautiful to experience and binding among those that attended.  A special thank you to those that opened their homes and hosted as well as those that came and participated.