Our Posada figures of Mary, Joseph and the donkey (Cocoa) have had a wonderful journey around our local area this year. It is a special part of our Advent and Christmas outreach at St C’s and we love it! Each year their journey is different. Each year they meet old friends, and make new ones and this year has been no exception.
One of the international gatherings Posada drew together
The figures ‘speak’ so naturally to so many different people. They have visited a fantastic variety of places – homes, schools, hospital, nursing homes, local market, student halls and many more places. They have been seen by an enormous range of people – children, the elderly, refugees, the homeless, shoppers, students, victims of human trafficking. We estimate over 1,000 people have seen the figures and engaged in some way with them.
They have joined in carol singing, been part of an Advent sleep put challenge, heard the story of Mary and Joseph read in Urdu, heard carols in Greek, German and Chinese and enjoyed moments of peace, stillness and prayer.
This year our outreach through Posada has been very special, and so many have said how much they value the unique moment the figures have brought them. We pray at Church for the places visited and hope they will be blessed through Christmastime and the coming year.
Fr Ian writes:
This year has Posada has had a special poignancy for me. My mother, Mary, who knit the Posada figures we use, died earlier this year. She always loved to hear of their progress and see the photos of where they had been. I like to think that at this time of the year, when heaven and earth come close together, she still follows and supports their journey.
St Chrysostom's Church News and Views 