Richness of Advent traditions to be celebrated in diocese: Las Posadas
SALT LAKE CITY —As Catholics from other countries have settled in Utah, they have brought their native customs of religious celebrations to the Diocese of Salt Lake City. One of the most widespread of these celebrations occurs during December, when many parishes host Las Posadas, a Hispanic tradition that represents when Mary and Joseph sought shelter in Bethlehem and were turned away from the inn.
“We celebrate Las Posadas in Salt Lake City because of the respect that we feel for our brothers and sisters that come from other countries,” said Maria Cruz Gray, director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry. "We have so many Catholics that come from other countries; we need to respect our diversity. In respecting the diversity – that’s why we are in touch with the people that have different customs, too.”
Celebrating Las Posadas in this day and age is particularly meaningful, Gray said, because Mary and Joseph, “who were poor immigrants themselves, went place by place like many immigrants are doing now, where they’re not welcome; and that’s why it is so important for us that we repeat the custom.”
Here in Utah, Las Posadas generally take place at the churches in the participating parishes, where members of the congregation lead actors representing Mary and Joseph in a candlelight procession to the church doors.
In some parishes, such as St. Olaf’s, the Posadas take place at the homes of parishioners. At the doors, the participants sing a traditional song asking for shelter:
“Pray give us lodging, dear sir, in the name of heav’n.
All day since morning to travel we’ve giv’n.
Mary, my wife, is expecting a child.
She must have shelter tonight. Let us in, let us in!”
The couple is repeatedly turned away until finally Joseph identifies who they are:
“Sir, I must tell you my wife is the queen of heav’n,
chosen by God to deliver his Son.
Jesus is coming to earth on this eve.
(Oh heaven, make him believe!) Let us in, let us in!”
Then the doors are thrown open and the couple and those who are with them are welcomed in:
“Joseph, dear Joseph, oh how could I be so blind?
Not to know you and the virgin so fine!
Enter, blest pilgrims, my house is your own.
Praise be to God on his throne! Please come in, please come in!
Enter, enter, holy pilgrims, holy pilgrims.
Welcome to my humble home.
Though ‘tis little I can offer,
all I have please call your own.”
After the people enter, all present join in prayer, often saying the rosary together. The prayers are followed by a communal meal with music and traditional piñatas filled with aguinaldos (Christmas boxes containing candy and small toys) for the children.
The diocesan Hispanic Commission donates piñatas to each of the parishes hosting a diocesan novena.
“This is an action of love so we can remember our culture,” Gray said.
The piñatas used for the diocesan Posadas have Christian symbolism: the seven points of the star-shaped piñata represent the seven deadly sins of envy, sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, anger/wrath and pride. The action of hitting the piñata with a stick represents the hope and prayer that can destroy those sins. The person with the stick is blindfolded to represent faith. The candies and treats that come pouring out from the broken piñata symbolize the grace of God and a new beginning.
“The grace of God blesses all of us; that’s why it is so important to have a Christian piñata,” Gray said. “it is a teaching moment for the children; we explain to the kids that it is Advent and that we purify ourselves to prepare for Christ’s coming.
“Las Posadas is such a beautiful time for the people getting together,” Gray said. “It is not a super-sophisticated celebration; it is a very Christian celebration when you open your house to anybody that wants to participate.”
Diocese of Salt Lake City Las Posadas Schedule
Sunday, Dec. 15: 4:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Monday, Dec. 16: 6 p.m. at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, 210 N. Carbon Ave., Price
Tuesday, Dec. 17: 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th St., Ogden
Wednesday, Dec. 18: 6 p.m. at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, 7832 S. Allen St., Midvale
Thursday, Dec. 19: 6 p.m. at Santa Ana Mission, 600 North 760 West, Tremonton
Friday, Dec. 20: 6 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 11835 South 3600 West, Riverton AND 6 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 280 S. Chapel St., Layton
Saturday, Dec. 21: 6 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 11835 South 3600 West, Riverton
Sunday, Dec. 22: 6 p.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 1505 White Pine Canyon Road, Park City AND 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2840 South 9000 West, Magna
Monday, Dec. 23: 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 174 East 900 South, Salt Lake City
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