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Posadas, Belen and Reyes Magos

By Berta Mexidor
JACKSON – In the Latino Hispanic tradition, Christmas starts with Posadas, weeks ahead of Dec. 25, and ends on Jan. 6 with the celebration of the Epiphany.
Every Christmas season, parishioners decorate the building with nativity scenes, “El Belen” that include each protagonist of the most important event for the Christian community worldwide. The decoration came alive when people started representing the season’s most important moments.
The Posadas (translation for Inn) is a remembrance of the time when Mary and Joseph were looking for a place where pregnant Mary could deliver the baby, but only received rejections.
Posadas are a procession during the night, led by Mary and Joseph’s actors accompanied by people singing villancicos (Carols for this special occasion), and holding candles.
“The Pilgrims…
I’ve asked you for lodging
Dear innkeeper
Because the mother is going to be
The queen of the heavens.
The Innkeepers…
Then if it is a queen
Who requests it
How is it that at nighttime
She’s traveling so alone?”
Posadas are hosted by a family who opened their house’s doors at the end.
At the Christmas vigil, the Nativity scene is alive with people impersonating the story’s characters.
The Epiphany, in most of the towns, is celebrated with a big parade where three people impersonate the Reyes Magos (the wise men), who distribute sweets, and gifts among the crowd. This action is replicated at home by adults giving gifts to children.

Around our Catholic Schools

Around the diocese

Around our Catholic Schools

Around the diocese

JACKSON – St. Richard first grade students studied, drew portraits and presented their saints to their classmates, family and parishioners at Mass on All Saints Day on Nov. 1. (Photos by Chelsea Dillon)

COLUMBUS – (first photo) Noah Langston and David Leonard walk down the aisle to present the gifts at the All Saints Day Mass at Annunciation School. (Photos by Logan Gentry)

Around our Catholic Schools

COLUMBUS – Annunciation students participated in Superhero STREAM Day celebrating National STEM/STEAM Day recently. (Photos by Logan Gentry)

MERIDIAN – St. Patrick students enjoyed the annual soccer challenge hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 802. (Photos by Kasey Owen)

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TUPELO – A group of three photos depict community fun at St. James parish’s annual trunk or treat event. (Photos by Michelle Harkins)

Around the diocese

Columbus

Pearl

Vicksburg

VICKSBURG – Recently, Vicksburg Catholic School eighth graders met for a day of reflection, prayer, small group discussion and liturgy with the school retreat team – START. (Photos by Lindsey Bradley)

Meridian

s part of their Catholic identity, St. Patrick School restored their St. Patrick statue and placed him at the front of the school with Holy Water for students to bless themselves each morning and afternoon as they leave. Blessing themselves daily will remind them of their baptism and to imitate Christ in all things. Pictured: First graders practiced the correct way to bless themselves. (Photos by Owen Kasey)

Columbus

Around the diocese

CLARKSDALE – St. Elizabeth students joined around the flagpole for a prayer service in honor and memory of Patriot Day – Sept. 11, 2001. (Photo by Mary Evelyn Stonestreet)

School sports

RIDGELAND – The Junior Bruins, made up of students from St. Anthony and St. Richard students, rolled over the St. Andrew’s Saints with a 28 to zero victory on Thursday, Sept. 14. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

MADISON – Coach Dwyane Demmin challenged several teachers and student athletes to find out who is the fastest in the school at a pep rally on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at St. Anthony School. (Photos by Joanna Puddister King)

Around the diocese