The Archdiocese of Chicago to Host 17th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Chicago’s Loop
Chicago - (Dec. 14, 2022) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 17th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, Dec. 16 beginning at 11 a.m. outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 W. Ida B. Wells Dr. in Chicago. The posada will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/pastoral.migratoria.
The one-mile walk will stop at the:
- Metropolitan Correctional Center,
- DePaul University,
- Federal Plaza,
- Old St. Patrick’s Church.
The archdiocese’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity-Immigration Ministry sponsors the posada pilgrimage symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their traveling from place to place seeking rest and shelter before the birth of Jesus Christ. The Chicago observance is modeled on a centuries-old tradition of posada throughout Mexico and Guatemala and in immigrant communities in the United States, Today’s immigrants, like the Holy Family, are vulnerable, seek legislative shelter and protection but often face rejection.
“As we enter the final weeks of Advent, we are full of hope and anticipation as we prepare for Jesus’ birth,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “May we see the Holy Family in our midst when we encounter today’s immigrants who, too, are fleeing persecution, conflict and violence. May we open our doors and hearts and offer hospitality, peace and welcome to the stranger.”
The posada will begin with a multilingual rosary and Gospel proclamation by retired Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop John R. Manz with each subsequent location including special prayers, songs and reflections. Participants will include members of Priests for Justice for Immigrants, Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants and Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes, schools, and immigration ministries. Community members are also encouraged to join in walking and praying for immigrants.
Locations and estimated times:
11 a.m. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 W. Ida B. Wells Dr.
11:55 a.m. Stop #1: Metropolitan Correctional Center, 71 W. Van Buren St.
12:10 p.m. Stop #2: DePaul University downtown campus, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.
12:30 p.m. Stop #3: Federal Plaza, corner of South Dearborn Street and West Adams Street
1:00 p.m. Stop #4: Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St. The posada will conclude with a brief program in the church’s basement.
Pastoral Migratoria, a program of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Immigration Ministry that serves as a national model for immigrant-to-immigrant leadership ministry, took the lead in planning this year’s posada. Pastoral Migratoria ministries of the Archdiocese of New York and of the Archdiocese of Baltimore will simultaneously join the Chicago archdiocese with their own respective posadas to elevate collective voices for immigration reform in their respective cities. Additionally, Pastoral Migratoria ministries in the dioceses of Salt Lake City, Stockton, Calif., and Fresno, Calif., are organizing posadas for immigration reform at their parish levels.
Since May 2005, the Archdiocese of Chicago, its bishops, priests and religious congregations have given voice to immigrants through the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform. The Campaign was established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to educate Catholics and the public about the need for comprehensive immigration reform and to influence legislation for a permanent and fair solution to immigration issues in this country.
For more information about the posada, please visit https://pvm.archchicago.org/annual-posada.
About Pastoral Migratoria
Pastoral Migratoria, a program of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Immigration Ministry, serves as a national model for immigrant leadership ministry and promotes the Gospel imperative to welcome the stranger and work for the common good of all. Recent guidelines issued by the Vatican https://migrants-refugees.va/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Good-Practices-IMM.pdf point to Pastoral Migratoria as a model for Intercultural Migrant Ministry.
