ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ BLESSES MORE THAN 200 PARISHIONERS ON 24-HOUR FAST FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM AT ANNUAL POSADA AT DOLORES MISION PARISH
December 17, 2013  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

Archbishop José H. Gomez today, on the eve of International Migrants’ Day, joined parishioners of

Dolores Mission Parish, 171 S. Gless St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, at 6 p.m., as they processed from

Dolores Mission Church to nearby homes in the annual parish Posada, a neighborhood Christmas

procession that recounts in prayers and songs Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem

before the birth of Jesus.

The Posada began at Dolores Mission where Archbishop Gomez blessed more than 200 Dolores

Mission parishioners who have committed to a 24-hour fast for immigration reform in solidarity with

the group of faith, immigrant rights and labor leaders who started a public fast last month in

Washington D.C. to urge Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. Parishioners reenacted

the journey of Mary and Joseph through a procession to the nearby Pico Gardens housing

project and Casa Ita Ford, the Jesuits Volunteer Corps house, where they heard testimonies about

modern immigrant issues, were turned away as were Joseph and Mary, and return to Dolores Mission

plaza.

“We remember in this posada that Jesus and his family did not find welcome on that first Christmas

night,” said Archbishop Gomez. “This is the reality that too many immigrant families from Mexico

and everywhere else still face today in the United States.”

“The parallels between the Holy Family seeking safety to give birth to Jesus and the plight of

immigrant families in this country who want desperately to remain united and safe are something we

cannot ignore,” said Maria Elena Durazo, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer and parishioner of Dolores

Mission. “I am proud to stand with Archbishop Gomez once again just as we did on November 26

when we announced a fast for immigration reform.”

The Posada concluded with in a small celebration at Dolores Mission Catholic Church, which serves

as a 365-day per year shelter for homeless men and long-time sanctuary for immigrants, giving

parishioners posada, or lodging.

“Our little church serves as a symbol for the welcome we wish our Church and country to be for

immigrants,” said Jesuit Pastor Fr. Scott Santarosa. “This posada and fast is a reminder of God’s call

to each of us to welcome all our brothers and sisters.”

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