Recently, I went to the home of Dr. Michael and Ginger O’Donnell for a party in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast day we recently celebrated. As you recall, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 pregnant with Jesus Christ. Within six years of the apparitions, millions of people in the Americas became Christians as spiritual sons and daughters of the Virgin Mary (Jn 19:26-27; Rev 12:17) and adopted sons and daughters of God the Father. She was proclaimed “Patroness of the Americas” by Pope Pius XII in 1946. 
During this party, the children participated in acting out what is called Las Posadas, which in Spanish means “the inns” or “hotels.” The children dressed up as the expectant Mary and Joseph (there were two Josephs!) and their entourage who went from inn to inn in search for a place for his wife to give birth to the Savior of the World. The children did a marvelous job acting the parts.
The first stop was at the garage door. “We’ve come from Nazareth for the great census and my betrothed is going to have a baby!” said Joseph. Then Mary said, “We will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High!” The answer of course was no. “There is not room in the inn!” said the innkeepers.
After making the second and third requests at the back deck and basement doors, all the while singing in between, Silent Night and Away in a Manger (keep in mind it was cold outside), the last innkeeper suggested staying in a cave fit only for animals. Imagine, the all-powerful King of the Universe being born in a humble stable for animals. Finally, they entered the house and laid the baby Jesus in the manger at the foot of the Christmas tree. I was so proud and impressed with the children.
As we contemplate the mystery that is Christmas, let us thank God the Father for the best gift ever given, that is, the gift of His only begotten Son as Savior of the World. He came to die, so we who were dead in sin may live, not for a time, but for an eternity.
I would like to thank all of our benefactors who support us spiritually, materially and financially during this most holy time of year. Please know that you, your families and intentions remain in our daily prayers and Masses. Merry Christmas!!
