Posted on Dec 4, 2007

Mission San Miguel will begin its Christmas celebration with an Early Mission Era tradition "Las Posadas". According to Sr. Loretta Guevarra, S.A., Pastoral Associate at Mission San Miguel, "Las Posadas, is a beautiful and colorful ceremony, which has its roots in fifteenth century Spain. The early Franciscan Friars brought this charming custom with them when they came to Christianize the native peoples." Las Posadas is a reenactment from scripture when Joseph and Mary on their trip to Bethlehem for the Census, try to find an inn (posada) where they could stay the night, and for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus. They knocked on many doors in search of a place to spend the night, only to be turned away. The only place they could find to sleep was a stable. At Mission San Miguel, each night for nine nights, people gather by candlelight, to walk with "Mary and Joseph" in search of a place to stay. Knocking on unwelcoming doors and asking in song for a room, they are turned away. Finally at the Church door, a group of singers open the door and invite them in. All this is done in bi-lingual song. The reenactment which you see each night, is similar to the one performed by the early Mission Neophytes. In Mission San Miguel, Las Posadas begin on December 16th. at 6:30 pm, and continue each night until Christmas Eve. This is a community event, all are invited to participate! For more information call the parish office at (805)467-2131