The Archdiocese of Chicago to Host 12th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, December 15 at 7 a.m.
Chicago, IL (December 13, 2017) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 12th annual Posada for immigration reform on Friday, December 15 beginning at 7 a.m., outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 West Congress Parkway, Chicago. Sponsored by the Archdiocese’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity-Immigration Ministry, the pilgrimage is a one-mile walk symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem traveling from place to place seeking rest and shelter, also known as “Posada.”
Participants of the walk will include a number of representatives from the Archdiocese’s parishes and schools, as well as Vicar General Very Reverend Ron Hicks, Bishop John Manz and Bishop Alberto Rojas. Community members are also encouraged to walk and pray with immigrants who, like Mary and Joseph, are seeking “legislative” shelter from turmoil but often face rejection given our changing political environment. This year, there’s a special focus to support DACA families who are seeking a permanent home through the Dream Act. Dreamers will represent Mary and Joseph during the Posada.
“The Posada commemorates the difficult journey of refugees seeking a new life and serves as a reminder for people of faith to stand in solidarity with immigrants seeking shelter and safety,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. “Similar to Mary and Joseph, DACA families hope for a better future without fear of being separated by deportation. We must all be guided by compassion, friendship and respect in welcoming our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
The Posada will include stops at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, DePaul University, Federal Plaza and St. Peter’s in the Loop, where the pilgrimage concludes at 9 a.m., with a celebration. Each stop will include special prayers and reflection.
Locations:
- United States Center for Immigration, 101 West Congress Parkway, Chicago
- Metropolitan Correctional Center, 71 West Van Buren Street, Chicago
- DePaul University, 1 East Jackson Boulevard, Chicago
- Federal Plaza, 219 South Dearborn Street, Chicago
- St. Peter’s in the Loop, 110 West Madison Street, Chicago
Since May 2005, the Archdiocese of Chicago and its bishops, priests and religious congregations have 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 general 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 catholicsandimmgrants.org.
