Cathedral hosts the first of the diocesan Posadas

IC photo/Laura Vallejo

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Bishop Oscar A. Solis and Deacon Guillermo Mendez are shown with the children who portrayed Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem during the diocesan Posada at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Dec.15.

SALT LAKE CITY —This year’s first diocesan Posada took place on Dec. 15 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, where hundreds gathered to celebrate the occasion.

People from all over the diocese, Hispanic and Anglo, were excited to be part of the celebration.

“This is my first time coming to a Posada,” said Susane Hadley, a Blessed Sacrament parishioner, adding that she was greatly impressed with the celebration. “My daughter’s eyes are so bright and opened. … I wanted for her to learn about the different cultural traditions that we have, so when we got invited I didn’t hesitate and here we are.”

The tradition commemorates Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, and their search for a warm place to stay the night.

The celebration started with the Joyful Mysteries of the rosary, followed by the traditional songs asking for shelter, with a group representing Mary and Joseph standing outside the cathedral doors. Bishop Oscar A. Solis and Deacon Guillermo Mendez accompanied this group.

Inside, the Cathedral Choir and other parishioners represented the innkeepers who responded that there was no room.

As the groups sang back and forth, asking for lodging and responding to the request, those outside were refused time and again until the group inside, realizing that it was Mary the Mother of God asking for shelter, opened the doors and welcomed them.

The Posadas is more than just a feel-good tradition, Bishop Solis said. “It deepens our faith and strengthens ties within the community at a holy time.”

Traditionally, the Posadas are held during the nine days before Christmas. On each of the nine nights, a different quality can be meditated upon: humility, strength, detachment, charity, trust, justice, purity, joy and generosity.  

In the Diocese of Salt Lake City, for the novena each night one or two parishes and missions is designated to celebrate a posada.

The evening at the Cathedral of the Madeleine ended with the breaking of a piñata in the shape of a star, as well as bags of candies for the children and a reception featuring a selection of Mexican dishes.

To be able to celebrate traditions so far away from home is a blessing, said Maria Vazquez, a St. Andrew parishioner who, with her husband, Armando, was invited to participate in the cathedral Posada.

“Years ago, it was hard to find a place that celebrated the Posada, but now almost all our parishes celebrate them and it makes me very happy to be able to remember very good times, very happy times now here in Utah,” she said.

 The diocesan Posadas will continue at different parishes around the diocese until Dec. 24. For the schedule, see p. 15.