Faithful reenact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter at oldest Marian shrine in US

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (OSV News) -- The air was crisp and cold for St. Augustine this year, creating a perfect backdrop as the historic Sacred Acre at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre de Dios came alive on Dec. 21.

Families and individuals gathered for "Una Noche de Navidad -- A Night of Christmas & Las Posadas," a heartfelt celebration retracing Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Through candlelit processions, sacred hymns and solemn prayers, attendees embraced a centuries-old tradition that resonates with the spirit of Christmas and the universal call for compassion and hospitality.

Las Posadas, a custom with origins in 16th-century Mexico, reenacts the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem.

At the shrine, more than 350 people participated in the processions throughout the evening, which took place every hour on the hour from 3 to 8 p.m. Each group was led by a male and female child representing Mary and Joseph. The children followed an adult leader carrying a lantern and a lit star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Other children in the procession carried Mary and Joseph dolls mounted on a stick, adding a meaningful touch to their journey.

The groups processed to various "inns" along the Sacred Acre, where reenactors from the Historic Florida Militia portrayed innkeepers. This organization, which has been interpreting Florida’s rich history since 1981, brought authenticity to the event. At each stop, the innkeepers turned the group away, recreating the Holy Family’s search for shelter. The final stop welcomed the group, symbolizing Mary and Joseph finding a place to stay, completing the reenactment of this cherished tradition.

The processions, illuminated by the flickering glow of candles and guided by the faithful devotion of participants, wove through the Sacred Acre, the historic grounds of Mission Nombre de Dios. This tranquil site, home to the oldest Marian shrine in the United States, served as a powerful setting for this moving event.

While the processions took place outside, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament occurred simultaneously inside the shrine, offering attendees an opportunity for quiet prayer and reflection, enhancing the spiritual depth of the evening.

After the 20-minute journey, participants gathered for a prayer and were introduced to the shrine’s historic grounds, including the chance to visit the chapel. Visitors were then invited to the Pilgrimage Center, where they enjoyed warm hospitality with hot chocolate and cookies -- a welcome treat on the cool evening.

For many attendees, this was their first time visiting the shrine and experiencing Las Posadas. The event also served as a peaceful and meaningful stop for tourists and residents drawn to St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights, blending the city’s vibrant holiday charm with the deep spiritual reflection offered by the shrine.

Las Posadas has long served as a bridge between faith and culture. First introduced to the Americas by Spanish missionaries, it was intended to teach the Nativity story while fostering a sense of unity within communities. This year’s event at the shrine not only continued that tradition but also underscored its timeless relevance.

Participants were reminded of the enduring lessons of Las Posadas: the call to welcome the stranger, extend kindness and embody the spirit of hospitality. These lessons, rooted in the Gospel message, resonate as strongly today as they did more than 2,000 years ago.

For the more than 700 people who attended, the evening was more than a reenactment; it was a journey of faith and reflection. From the children leading the way to the reenactors portraying the challenges faced by Mary and Joseph, the event captured the heart of the Nativity story. The presence of the Blessed Sacrament elevated the experience, offering attendees a moment of deep connection to the true meaning of Christmas.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche once again demonstrated its commitment to preserving faith and tradition. By blending cultural heritage with spiritual observance, Las Posadas created a meaningful way for visitors to prepare their hearts for Christmas.

On this cold December night in St. Augustine, the spirit of Christmas shone brightly at the shrine, uniting residents, tourists and faithful alike in a shared journey of hope and hospitality. With the flicker of lanterns, the sound of sacred hymns and the warmth of fellowship, the evening left an indelible mark on all who attended.