Dear Friends and Families of St. Pius V,

For the families at St. Pius V, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Posadas, an old Mexican tradition that reenacts the drama of that first Christmas Eve. That night Mary and Joseph found themselves homeless in a strange city. Finally a door is opened for them in a humble stable, where they welcome their child into the world. This year our Christian base communities again organize the evening Posada in our church: processing together, praying the rosary, reflecting on the nativity story, and finally sharing Christmas sweets and the delight of breaking the treat-filled piñatas.

As we listen to the familiar gospel stories recounting those dangerous early years of Jesus’ life, we see the Holy Family’s journey mirrored in the lives of parishioners who sought posada in St. Pius V and found a loving welcome. I hope you will be inspired by this story of one of our parishioners, whose courage and fortitude, along with some support from our HOPE at St. Pius V counseling staff, liberated her from her abuser.

This Christmas season we offer posada to the newborn Son of God as we celebrate his birth by committing ourselves to accompany families like Erendira’s, whose presence in our lives reminds us of the true meaning of gift-giving and the spirit of Christmas. Thank you for helping us to provide posada to so many people. Your prayers and financial gifts are needed and welcomed to sustain this ministry. May your family, friends and faith in God bring you peace and joy this holy season and throughout the New Year.

[button link=”https://stpiusvparish.org/fortitude-a-christmas-story/” color=”lightblue” newwindow=”yes”] Read this inspiring story[/button]