“Posada” Gives Witness to Immigration Reform
12/21/2011
A traditional re-enactment of Las Posadas — the Mexican tradition of walking with Joseph and Mary as they sought shelter — became a Catholic campaign for immigration reform last week in Chicago.
The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Immigrant Affairs organized the procession. It offered families a faith experience of walking in solidarity, not just with Joseph and Mary, but with migrants, refugees and strangers seeking legislative change.
“Our Posada connects the Holy Family’s journey and search for shelter to the struggle of today’s immigrants for welcome in this country,” says Marilu Gonzalez of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
They began their procession with a prayer vigil at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, where they prayed the rosary for people being deported, that day. A one-mile solidarity walk followed, with members singing and praying as they made their way north to St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Chicago’s loop.
Now in its fourth year, the march drew hundreds of supporters, including members of the Viatorians as well Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants, and Priests for Justice for Immigrants, both members of the Justice for Immigrants Campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Students from the social justice club — uKNIGHed 4 Immigration Reform — at St. Martin de Porres High School in Waukegan accompanied them, as well as members of different parish communities, university students, and seminarians.