Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Sister Mary Ann Spanjers shares on the recent Bi-National Las Posadas in Mexico.

The Bi-national Las Posadas in Mexico just 40 miles south of Tucson, was a moving experience on Sat. Nov. 18, 2021. Br. Bob Brady, OFM joined me in walking with the migrants and refugee families for the 2 mile pilgrimage. Bishop Edward Weisenburger, bishop of the diocese of Tucson, began the Las Posada pilgrimage with the opening prayer.  A Posada is a traditional Latin American custom that takes the form of an extended devotional prayer with re-enactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to give birth to Jesus. They are repeatedly turned away from each place they seek refuge. The journey of Mary and Joseph on the way to Bethlehem, as well as their flight to Egypt, relates to the stories of all migrants seeking refuge today.

The Bi-National Migrant Posada included testimonies from migrants who are currently seeking aslyum as well as appeals to create change. Prayers, scripture readings, and songs were also incorporated into the event at each stop, where they were symbolically rejected just as Mary and Joseph were. Finally, the Posada procession arrived at Kino Border Initiative where they were welcomed as brothers and sisters in need.

I was blessed to help serve the dessert and candy table for the children. Sister Marlita was busy serving the meal, more than 300 meals were given to families to take to their place of residence. When all were served Sister Marlita and I had time to visit!