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The Archdiocese of Chicago to Host 13th Annual Posada for Immigration Reform on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 7 a.m.

Community members are encouraged to join archdiocesan ministries, students, staff and parishes to walk and pray for immigrants who seek legislative protection

Chicago, IL (December 7, 2018) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will host the 13th annual Posada for immigration reform on Friday, December 14 beginning at 7 a.m., outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Center, 101 West Congress Parkway, Chicago. Based on a centuries-old tradition throughout Mexico, Guatemala and migrant 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.”

Members of Priests for Justice for Immigrants and Sisters and Brothers of Immigrants for the pilgrimage will join representatives of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s parishes, schools, and immigration ministries. 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.

“The Posada tradition celebrates the importance of hospitality and welcoming others with joyful hearts, especially our immigrant brothers and sisters fleeing persecution and danger in their homelands,” said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago. “In anticipation of Jesus’ birth, let us open our doors and hearts to the stranger and refugee seeking protection and acceptance just as the Holy Family once did.”

The Posada will include stops 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.              Posada begins at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Building, 101 West Congress Parkway

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

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

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

8:45 a.m.         Stop #4: St. Peter Church, 110 West Madison Street

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 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/human-dignity-solidarity/immigration-ministry/xiii-annual-posada