The theme for today’s experience is of Mary as mother. During the story at the heart of the Posadas celebration, Mary is pregnant with Jesus and about to give birth. Alongside Joseph, she is rejected multiple times while looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem.

Much like Mary, Teresa, a single mother who fled her home in the Mexican state of Guerrero with her children, knows the rejection of not being allowed refuge while seeking it. You can listen to Teresa’s story below, which was recorded at the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Sonora.

PRAYER

Prayer to Mary for Immigrant Children on the Feast of the Visitation

Mary, you traveled alone to reach the loving embrace
Of your beloved family member.
Elizabeth welcomed you with open arms
And an open heart.

Be with the children who are traveling across borders
To seek solace with family.
Protect them from exploitation
And from traumatizing experiences.

Teach us by the example of the Visitation.
Grant us open arms and open hearts
To receive your children who are trying
To find their way to a new, life-giving home.

Guide our Church’s efforts to advocate
For reform of the U.S. immigration process
So that all families may be reunited
In safety and security, without fear or terror.

Mary, Mother of the human family,
Help us end the misery of children
Who have been separated from their families
By man-made borders—not by love.

May they arrive, as you did,
To joy and to the benediction of a loving embrace. Amen.

— Jane Deren, Ph.D.

This prayer was originally featured on the Education for Justice website, ISN’s membership based library for faith and justice resources. For more prayers and educational resources around migration, visit the EFJ website.

ACTION

Today, we’d like to share this Amazon wishlist from the Kino Border Initiative. If you can help them buy some of the things they need to meet the needs of migrants in Nogales, use the link to purchase these items for them, and they will be sent directly to KBI.

SUBSCRIBE

Register for Posadas 2022 and don’t miss a post! From December 16-24, you will receive a short video, reflection, or activity each day with an opportunity for prayerful reflection.

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