Journey to the Inn

11/23/2016

In an increasingly secular world, many Catholics are faced with the difficulty of sharing the faith. With the bustle of Christmas shopping and the frequent removal of religious imagery from Christmas displays, it seems that communities have forgotten the incredible gift of Christ and the beauty of his birth.

Facing similar concerns when first introducing Christ to the New World, Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century found that simple reenactments of the story of Christ’s birth could touch the hearts of those they encountered. The Spanish missionaries referred to these ceremonies as Las Posadas — meaning “the inns” or “the shelters” — as they gave emphasis to Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Our Savior’s birth.

These festivities have remained popular throughout Latin America and the southwestern United States, yet children and adults from all cultural backgrounds can use similar celebrations to embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season and share the joy of Christ’s birth.

For ideas on how to adapt this tradition to your own community, councils can turn to Journey to the Inn: An Advent Celebration (#9898). Through this booklet, the Order hopes to bring a sharing of various cultural Christmas celebrations to all Knights and their families.

“The tradition of the Posada helps us to remember the first Christmas in a way that unites people of faith from throughout the American continent,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. “This event will bring together people of many cultures, highlighting the fact that faith and the celebration of Christmas transcend any differences we may have.”

Councils should discuss with their pastor the possibility of making this a parish program. Copies of the newly revised booklet — which provides all the information needed to conduct a Christmas celebration with your family and your Knights of Columbus council — can be ordered through the Supply Department by calling 203-752-4214 or emailing supply@kofc.org. A digital and printable version of the booklet may be found at kofc.org