Father Michael Rodríguez - 28th Ordination Anniversary
Thou art a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. - Hebrews 7:17
8 December 2024.
On this day, Father offered Our Blessed Mother, the Immaculate Conception, twenty-eight white roses.
- One rose for each year of his priesthood;
- White in honor of her perfect purity.
Thou art all fair, O Mary, and the stain of Original Sin is not in thee. Thy garments are white as snow, and thy face is like the sun.
Thou art the glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people (Judith 15: 10).
Thou art the brightness of eternal light, and the image of His goodness (Wisdom 7: 26).
Please keep Fr. Rodríguez in your prayers.
O Mother of Sorrows, in honor of thy soul pierced by seven swords, I implore thee to assist Fr. Michael Rodríguez in his time of trial. O Mediatrix of all Graces, who art all powerful with God, I beg thee to grant him the grace to know God's holy will and the fortitude to carry it out; that he be supremely faithful to thy Son, Jesus Christ, His Church, and His priesthood. Amen.
Las Posadas - An Advent Devotion
Las Posadas are a rich Catholic Mexican tradition. They are held the nine days before Christmas (Dec 16-Dec 24) so as to form a powerful novena of prayer and preparation for Our Lord's birth. The faithful frequently host the Posadas in their homes and local neighborhoods.
The word "posada" refers to an 'inn' or 'seeking hospitality'. It is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph being refused hospitality when they arrived in Bethlehem. The faithful form a procession of pilgrims accompanying the Holy Couple as they go from one house to the next, seeking posada. Usually a young boy and girl dress up as Mary and Joseph. Others may don the costumes of shepherds or fiendish devils. Elaborate posadas might even include a burro, sheep, or other livestock. In some cases, the procession is led by pilgrims carrying statues of Mary and Joseph.
At each home, the group of pilgrims are summarily rejected. They then move on to the next home. There are traditional songs associated with the devotion. The Rosary and other devotions are prayed along the way. Finally, at the last home on the route, good people who recognize Mary and Joseph – in faith – grant them hospitality. All the pilgrims enter the home to general rejoicing. This home is warm and filled with light and delicious smells. The stark contrast is a welcome relief from the cold outside.
This privileged home is graced with the presence of Mary and Joseph. They in turn host a small celebration, with delicious drinks and foods which Mexican Catholics associate with Christmas. The festivities often include the original piñata. The piñata has seven spikes which represent the seven capital sins. Children have to hit the piñata blindfolded (by faith). All take turns, because fighting sin is a communal effort. Once the devil's power is smashed (the piñata is cracked), then grace (candies) flows out. Everyone rushes in to feast upon them.
You can hear Las Posadas song in Spanish here.
Fisheaters.com has an English translation of the hymns and details the tradition.