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The Archdiocese of Chicago to Host 14th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at 7 a.m.

Community members are encouraged to join in walking and praying for immigrants who seek legislative protection

Chicago, IL (Dec. 11, 2019) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 14th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, Dec. 13 beginning at 7 a.m., outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 W. Ida B. Wells/Congress Parkway, Chicago. Based on a centuries-old tradition throughout Mexico, Guatemala and immigrant communities in the United States, the archdiocese’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity-Immigration Ministry sponsors the one-mile pilgrimage symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem traveling from place to place seeking rest and shelter, also known as “Posada.”

Most Rev. Plácido Rodríguez, CMF, bishop emeritus of Lubbock, Texas and the first Hispanic auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, will join members of Priests for Justice for Immigrants, Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants, Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes, schools, and immigration ministries during the posada. Community members are encouraged to walk and pray with immigrants who, like Mary and Joseph, are seeking shelter and protection from turmoil but often face rejection.

“A posada is a cherished Advent tradition, particularly for Latino communities, in anticipation of Christ’s birth,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “Just as Mary and Joseph journeyed, today’s migrants are vulnerable and often meet prejudice while seeking safety and acceptance. Yet, like the Holy Family, they witness to the love of God in ways that we would otherwise miss. May we have open hearts to welcome and help our brothers and sisters in their search for asylum, knowing that Christ, the coming One, reveals himself through them.” 

The posada will stop at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, DePaul University, Federal Plaza and St. Peter Church in the Loop, where the pilgrimage concludes at 8:55 a.m., with a celebration. Each stop will include special prayers, songs and reflection.

Locations and estimated times:

7 a.m.                 101 W. Congress Parkway/W. Ida B. Wells Parkway

7:40 a.m.           Stop #1: Metropolitan Correctional Center, 71 W. Van Buren St. 

8:05 a.m.           Stop #2: DePaul University downtown campus, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

8:25 a.m.           Stop #3: Federal Plaza, corner of South Dearborn Street and Adams Street

8:45 a.m.           Stop #4: St. Peters Church, 110 W. Madison St.

8:55 a.m.           Basement of St. Peter Church for fellowship with food, coffee, testimony, music.

Since May 2005, the Archdiocese of Chicago with its bishops, priests and religious congregations has been a voice for 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 encourage 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/human-dignity-solidarity/immigration-ministry/about-us