CEDAR LAKE – Mary and Joseph had to travel far and under dangerous conditions to get from their home in Nazareth to the childhood home of Joseph in Bethlehem. In order to commemorate this journey and its hardships, those of Mexican heritage have a tradition that begins Dec. 16 and goes until Dec. 24. This tradition is known in Mexico as Las Posadas.
The word posada means a place to spend the night or an inn. The activities that take place during Las Posadas honor Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to rest as they knocked on door after door. Las Posadas often includes a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem through a nightly procession, singing carols to ask for shelter and ends with food and drinks.
Parishes within the Diocese of Gary have created opportunities for the faithful to participate in Las Posada celebrations, including St. Casimir and All Saints in Hammond, Our Lady of Guadalupe in East Chicago, Holy Family Parish in LaPorte, Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake and others.
Mercedes Augsten, pastoral associate of Holy Name, explained that as the Hispanic membership of the parish has grown, so has its celebration of the cultural and religious traditions. The parish’s Las Posadas began in 2014. For many years, the faith formation program, Generations of Faith, celebrated Las Posadas at the December meeting. While 2023 was the latest joint celebration as part of that program, the parish continues it with a crowd that includes both English and Spanish-speaking people.
Anabel Vazquez helps lead Las Posadas at the Cedar Lake parish. She said the tradition is very important because of its history in Mexico, and she wants to share the tradition with future generations.
Vazquez noted that everything done during Las Posadas has significance. Even the piñata that is displayed has seven sides, which represent the seven capital sins. During each night of Las Posadas, families who come are given more information about the Catholic faith.
Attendees also learn more about where the Virgin Mary and Joseph traveled as details are shared about the places they visited.
“We explain everything, so it's not only that one scene, give candies and eat,” Vazquez said. “We try to explain everything a little at a time. We don't put too much in one night, so that's why we start Dec. 16 and go to Dec. 23.”
Vazquez said it's a joy to watch the children grow and understand more during Las Posadas. Each night begins with a recitation of the Rosary, and she has seen the kids become more comfortable as they participate alongside the adults, following along on handouts written in Spanish and English.
“Our priest once told us, ‘I have the opportunity to separate and have a Mass in Spanish and a Mass in English,’ but God wants everybody together, so we have books in Spanish and in English. We share together, and everybody is together,” Vazquez said.
Martha Obregon attended the Las Posadas events at Holy Name last year and returned this year to participate with her granddaughters, Alasandra and Isabel Guevera. Obregon moved from Chicago to Cedar Lake seven years ago and was pleased to find that the local parish held Las Posadas.
“What a great way to introduce my granddaughters to it,” she said. “They've learned to pray, and now they can participate in the prayers.”
Obregon added that participating in Las Posadas also helps to create a sense of community.
“It's like a family,” she said. “I don't come regularly to Holy Name, but when I do come, I've always felt welcomed. This is something that brings us closer together.”
The church incorporates a living rosary on the Sunday night celebration with costumes and music. This is a new tradition at Holy Name and is traditionally the most well-attended night. For more information on Las Posadas, contact Holy Name or other local parishes in the Diocese of Gary at https://dcgary.org/find-a-parish.
