Join Mary and Joseph in the search for an inn

SALT LAKE CITY – Catholics throughout the diocese are invited to travel the road, seeking for an inn at which to stay, with Mary and Joseph as numerous parishes in Utah celebrate the traditional posada.

Posadas are an important part of Hispanic holiday celebrations. The word posada means "inn" or "shelter" in Spanish, and these celebrations recreate Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Posadas are held on each of the nine nights leading up to Christmas, usually from Dec. 16 to Dec. 24. The nine nights leading up to Christmas are said to represent the nine months that Jesus spent in Mary’s womb, or alternatively, to represent nine days journey to Bethlehem.

This year the diocesan posada will begin Dec. 15 at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem. On each of the succeeding nights, a different parish will host the posada. The celebration consists of a procession with candles going to the door, asking to stay. Sometimes individuals are selected to play the parts of Mary and Joseph; other times images of the holy couple are carried in the procession.

"We all know that posadas are to welcome all our brothers, no matter the language," said Maria Cruz Gray, diocesan director of Hispanic Ministries.

This year the Hispanic Ministries acquired costumes for those in the procession, such as stars, angels and donkeys, "so everybody in each parish can use them if they want," Gray said.

Every parish participating in the posada will have a Nativity scene. Some people will be the innkeepers, and others will be the los peregrinos (the pilgrims), who have to request lodging through singing a simple chant.

Usually four people are chosen to carry los peregrinos, which are small statues of St. Joseph leading a donkey, which the Virgin Mary is riding sidesaddle. However, if preferred, children can personify the peregrinos. The head of the procession will have a candle inside of a paper lamp shade that looks like an accordion but open at the top and it is called a "farolito" or little lantern.

During the posada, the peregrinos ask for lodging three different times, but only after the third request are they allowed inside. Once the "innkeepers" open the doors, the group of guests comes into the home and kneels around the Nativity scene to pray the rosary and sing traditional songs.

After the prayers are completed, then comes a party for the children. Sometimes there will be a piñata filled with peanuts in the shell, oranges, tangerines, sugar canes, and occasionally other wrapped hard candy.

The different posadas will be begin at 7 p.m. each night. For more information, contact each parish.

Dec. 15 – Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem, 801-221-0750

Dec. 16 – Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salt Lake City, 801-363-8632

Dec. 17 – Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City,

801-328-8941

Dec. 18 – San Isidro Mission in Elberta, 801-221-0750

Dec. 19 – Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Salt Lake City, 801-364-2019

Dec. 20 – Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Midvale (801-255-3721) and Saint Bridget Mission in Milford

Dec. 21 – St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Layton,

801-544-4269

Dec. 22 – Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Ogden,

801-399-5627

Dec. 23 – Saint John Bosco Mission in Delta,

435-864-3710