December 16, 2010
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Read

Today, Latino Catholics in communities across the U.S. and Latin America begin enacting Las Posadas (the lodgings), the Mexican tradition which recreates Mary and Joseph's search for shelter on the eve of the birth of the Christ child.  Read an inspiring story about a Franciscan priest and a Las Posadas reenactment that took place along the United States-Mexican border.

Pray

A Prayer for Immigrant Justice
Blessed are You, Lord God,
King of all creation.
Through Your goodness, we live in this land
that You have so richly blessed.
Help us always to recognize our
Blessings come from You
and remind us to share them
with others, especially those who come
to us today from other lands.
Help us to be generous, just, and welcoming,
as You have been and are generous to us.

Reflect

Think about the many immigrants that have come to our country from Latin America seeking better lives for their families. Reflect on what it means to “welcome the stranger.”

Act

Learn more about efforts to educate the public about Church teaching on migration and immigrants and to create political will for positive immigration reform at the Justice for Immigrants Web site.