News Releases

Chicago (Dec. 12, 2024) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 19th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, Dec. 13 beginning at 11 a.m. outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 W. Ida B. Wells Dr. in Chicago. The theme for this year’s Posada for Immigration is “God with us, hope along the journey.” The posada will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/pastoral.migratoria.

“As followers of Christ, we are called to show compassion to all, especially the most vulnerable. This includes those who seek refuge and a better life for themselves and their families,” said Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “The posada’s theme reminds us that accompanying our brothers and sisters is not merely a practical response to migration, it is a spiritual practice that can transform both the migrant and the companion. To echo Pope Francis, ‘To encounter the other, to accept him or her, to welcome him or her with respect, is to encounter God.’"

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.

This year, Pastoral Migratoria, immigration social ministry, of the Archdioceses of New York, Newark and Baltimore, and the Dioceses of Joliet, Stockton (Calif.) and Orange (Calif.) will join the celebration by organizing their own prayer services and Posada’s for Immigration Reform in solidarity to elevate the voices for immigration reform.  

In Chicago, the posada will begin with a multilingual rosary and Gospel proclamation by Bishop Mark Bartosic with each subsequent location including special prayers, songs, and reflections. Following the posada, a short program and fellowship will be held at Old St. Patrick’s Church that will focus on prayer and education on the current immigration issues as well as the way the church has been accompanying migrant communities in their journey. 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.

1:15 p.m.         Fellowship and short program, Old St. Patrick’s Church

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.