Litany of the Posadas

Introduction

The litany of Las Posadas is a traditional Catholic prayer service and song cycle re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. It’s a key part of the Las Posadas celebration, a nine-day Mexican Christmas tradition leading up to Christmas Eve. It brings communities together, encouraging participation and fostering a sense of shared faith and tradition. It also serves as a powerful way to prepare hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas by focusing on the themes of welcome, compassion, and hope. The litany also resonates with contemporary issues of migration and displacement, reminding people of the importance of extending hospitality to those in need.

The litany is a dramatic representation of the biblical story of Jesus’ birth and the search for shelter. It is sung or chanted, with one group (representing Mary and Joseph) asking for shelter and another group (representing innkeepers) initially refusing, until the “pilgrims” are finally welcomed.

The litany highlights the themes of humility, compassion, and the importance of welcoming strangers, mirroring the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey and rejection.

Structure and Content

The “Pilgrims” (Representing Mary and Joseph) travel from house to house, singing verses that express their weariness and need for shelter. The actor of St Joseph, for instance, might say: “In the name of the heavens, I beg you for lodging, my beloved wife can no longer travel.”

The “Innkeepers” (Representing those who refuse lodging) respond with verses that express suspicion, fear, or inability to offer space. They might respond, for example: “Although you tell us that you are weary, we do not give lodging to strangers.” Eventually, the “innkeepers” recognise Mary and Joseph and invite them in, symbolising the joy and blessings that come with welcoming the Holy Family, crying: “Welcome, dear pilgrims! Welcome to my house!”

The Litany of the Posadas

The Pilgrims (P): En el nombre del cielo, os pido posada, pues no puede andar, mi esposa amada.

Translation: In the name of Heaven, I beg for lodging, for my beloved wife cannot walk.

Innkeeper/Family (I): Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante, yo no debo abrir, no sea algún tunante. No me importa el nombre, déjenme dormir, pues que yo les digo que no hemos de abrir.

This is not an inn, continue on your way, I cannot open, lest you be a rogue. I don’t care about the name, let me sleep, for I tell you, we will not open.

(P): No seas inhumano, tennos caridad, que el Dios de los cielos te lo premiará. Venimos rendidos desde Nazaret, yo soy Carpintero de nombre José.

Don’t be inhumane. Have mercy on us. The God of the heavens will reward you for it. We are worn out coming from Nazareth. I am a carpenter, Joseph by name.

(I): No me importa el nombre, déjenme dormir, pues que yo les digo que no hemos de abrir.

I don’t care about your name. Let me sleep, because I already told you we shall not open up.

(P): Mi esposa es María, es Reina del Cielo, Y madre va a ser del Divino Verbo.

My wife is Mary, she is the Queen of Heaven, and she will be the mother of the Divine Word.

(I): ¿Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita, cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?

If it is a queen who requests it, how is it that at night she travels alone?

(P): Posada te pide, amado casero, por sólo una noche la Reina del Cielo.

I’m asking you for lodging dear man of the house. Just for one night for the Queen of Heaven.

(I): ¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu esposa es María? Entren, peregrinos, no los conocía.

Are you Joseph? Is your wife Mary? Enter, pilgrims, I did not know you.

(P): Dios pague, señores, vuestra caridad, y que os colme el cielo de felicidad.

May God pay, gentle folks, your charity, and thus heaven heap happiness upon you.

(I): Dichosa la casa que alberga este día, a la Virgen Pura, la hermosa María.

Blessed is the house that shelters this day, the pure Virgin, the beautiful Mary.

All: Entren, santos peregrinos, reciban éste rincón, Que aunque es pobre la morada, se las doy de corazón! Oh, peregrina agraciada, oh, bellísima María. Yo te ofrezco el alma mía para que tengáis posada. Humildes peregrinos Jesús, María y José, el alma doy por ellos, mi corazón también. Cantemos con alegría todos al considerar que Jesús, José y María nos vinieron a honrar.

Enter, holy pilgrims, receive this corner, although the dwelling is humble, I give it to you with my heart! Oh, graced pilgrim, oh, most beautiful Mary. I offer you my soul so you may have lodging. Humble pilgrims, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give my soul for them and my heart as well. Let us sing with joy, all bearing in mind that Jesus, Joseph and Mary honour us by having come.

A Prayer for Those who Travel

Father, we pray for all those who will travel today to school, or work, or play; for those who will travel home to visit families and friends at Christmas; for those who are seeking God’s will for their lives. As we all travel through life, unite us in your love and help us to draw comfort and strength from one another and to grow in love and grace. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

A Prayer for Families

We pray for families around the world. For the family of our parish community. For our own families. For families who are separated at this time of year. For those with no family: that Christmas may be a time of preparation and thought; that Jesus will be at the centre of our lives; that we may unite and forgive each other; that we may look forward with confidence, showing true love for one another. Amen.

A Prayer of Hope

Lord Jesus, born in a stable, bring hope to the homeless.
Lord Jesus, child of Mary and Joseph, bring hope to all families, especially those in distress.
Jesus, light of the world, bring hope to those suffering in silence and oppression.
Jesus, prince of peace, bring hope to those suffering in conflict zones.
Holy Family, forced to flee into Egypt, bring hope to all refugees in our troubled world.
Holy Family, who endured difficult trials, bring hope to the poor and hungry.
Jesus, Son of God, renew us in hope this Christmas and help us work for a better world. Amen.