C
atholic
Herald
DIOCESE OF SUPERIOR
www.superiorcatholicherald.org Vol 149/Edition 24, 8 Pages Jan. 6, 2022
JENNY SNARSKI
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF JSNARSKI@CATHOLICDOS.ORG
A
fter the Advent season of waiting, the contemplative scene of Christ- mas centers around the manger. During the novena of Christmas, one tradition in the Spanish-speaking world punctuates the final days of preparation before celebrating the Nativity of Jesus. The practice of Las Posadas, directly translated as The Inns, sets the very human scene of Joseph and Mary, at the end of their long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, seeking lodging in Joseph's ancestral hometown. The Eucharistic Missionary Sisters who minster to the local Hispanic com- munity within the western Diocese of Su- perior fervently held Las Posadas during eight of the nine days beginning Dec. 16. Rotating between the churches of St. Jo- seph in Barron and Rice Lake, the sisters led the praying of the rosary before an adapted indoor posada procession. Most traditionally, groups will visit various homes within a parish or neigh- borhood pidiendo posada, or asking for lodging as Joseph would have sought for his pregnant wife. The format follows a sung chorus of verse and response between the group of pilgrims - peregrinos - and innkeepers - posaderos. The song is comprised of a wearying tune, at times almost comical in its approach. Joseph asks for shelter for his dear wife after their days and hours of walk- ing. A firm rejection by the innkeeper tells them to move on, that he can't be bothered or risk the danger of allowing a stranger into his home. The Queen of Heaven's protector im- plores assistance, announcing his name and profession as a poor carpenter and promising blessing from God as a reward. The pilgrims are once again turned away, this time more forcefully. Knowing their names doesn't make a difference and the innkeeper warns them to leave or else. The back and forth finds resolution when Joseph declares his wife to be the Mother of the Divine Word, at which the door opens claiming he'd have opened sooner if the pilgrims had been recog- nized for who they were. Enter holy travelers, the litany concludes with a change of melody and rhythm. A corner is offered for their rest. Although poor, it is given from the heart. All sing with joy at the consideration that their home has been chosen as the place for the Nativity to unfold. Steeped in culture and celebration with food, drink and often a piata for children, there is deeper meaning. Mary, Joseph and Our Savior, what a joy to have you here. We are honored to receive you, may you stay through all the year, one English translation of the song says. The pageantry and pilgrim nature of the posadas stems from its own history. It is thought to have begun as a catechetical practice for illiterate Christians in Europe to teach the Gospel account of Mary and Joseph, traveling in obedience to a Roman edict fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy of the Son of God being born from the line of David. Spanish missionaries accompanying
Posadas' punctuate preparations for Christmas
A young boy holding a candle stands with the "peregrinos," or pilgrims seeking lodging, or "posa- da" during one of the nine nights of the traditional Mexican pre-Christmas celebrations held at St. Joseph Church in Barron on Dec. 22. On the other side of the door, the "posaderos," or innkeepers, have their song sheets ready for the back and forth chorus. The posada follows Joseph and Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem and ends with them being welcomed in and a time of fellowship and traditional Mexican foods. (Catholic Herald photo by Jenny Snarski)
See LAS POSADAS, Page 4
JENNY SNARSKI
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF JSNARSKI@CATHOLICDOS.ORG
T
he music committee for the Diocese of Superior will present their 2021 Music Ministry Workshop on Friday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 5, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. Presenters Bonnie Faber and Roger Stratton will touch on the theme, The Posture of a Servant: Our Response to God's Grace. According to the promotional lyer put out by the Diocese of Superior'siceofWorship, attendees will be guid- ed toward learning more about the liturgical musician's role of joyful servant as their part of the worship- ping assembly. This will be accomplished through presentations and group discussion on topics such as the mechanics of singing, practical advice on reading musical scores and the impor- tance of preparation, as well as openness to the Holy Spirit. Faber shared she is honored to present this workshop with Roger Stratton, a seasoned and much respected colleague of mine. Put together, we have about 80-90 years of working in the Church! She recognized that they experienced much during those years and continue to evolve in their vocations as music minis- ters in the church. Soli Deo Gloria, she added which translates to Glory to God alone. Just weeks before the back- to-back liturgical season of Lent and Easter, the workshop timing seeks to be a time of learning and renewal before the 90-day stretch. Friday evening's schedule includes social time, prayer, a dinner presentation and Q&A discussion. Saturday begins with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and morning prayer, followed by presentations from 9:30 a.m. until noon. The event concludes at 3:15 p.m. Bonnie Faber's music min- istry career spans five decades working in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Following her start as a music educator,
Music ministry helps assembly respond to God's grace
See MUSIC, Page 8
Bonnie Faber
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