Based on a centuries-old tradition throughout Mexico, Guatemala and immigrant communities in the United States, the archdiocese’s Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity-Immigration Ministry sponsors the one-mile pilgrimage symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem traveling from place to place seeking rest and shelter, also known as “Posada.”
Senior Aidan Braat reflected on the experience, saying "I anticipated a march centered around political ideology and aggressive resistance, but it was the exact opposite. My expectations were proven entirely wrong as soon as we prayed the rosary at the beginning in a different language for each decade. From that point on, I knew that this would be about more than the law. In fact, this march was about a higher law: God’s law. Marching, singing and praying through hymns about God’s love and acceptance ended up being at the root of this march."
"These ideas of love and acceptance inspire me in everyday life, and the Posada March showed me another way to live—and promote—these core values. I continue to pray for those who yearn to see their families and for those who seek political refuge. In the end, I hope that through faith and love these victims will find a welcoming home with open arms," said Aidan.
Another senior, Luzolo Matundu, stated "When marching in the Posada beside some of my fellow Carmel Catholic classmates, I was in awe of the work we were doing. Hearing the stories that were shared about families torn apart broke my heart. I thought of how I would feel if my parents, who are migrants, were taken away from me and my two younger brothers. My parents have sacrificed so much for my family to be here in the US and all I want to do is make them proud just how a woman who spoke also wants to make her parents proud. Families belong together and the fact that a policy in the country I live in is currently threatening that, makes my heart ache. Being physically present in a march on the current immigration policies in the US made me feel like I am a part of a movement that is bringing out a positive change."