The Office for Hispanic Catholics celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Archdiocesan Posada the evening of Dec. 18 at Holy Name Cathedral, at Superior and State streets. More than a thousand Catholics representing parishes from across the archdiocese came together to celebrate the posada, which is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for shelter.

In keeping with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Year of Teens and Young Adults, this year’s posada had as its theme, “Following the footsteps of Joseph and Mary we walk with our youth; proud of the past and building the future.”

Various parish teen and young adult groups led the rosary in English and Spanish before a reading of the Gospel and a brief explanation of the posada symbols.

Those portraying Mary, Joseph, the angel and shepherds rode on a float to lead the procession that traveled north on State Street toward Chicago Avenue, east toward Michigan Avenue, south to Huron Street and west back to State Street returning to the steps of the cathedral. Throughout the 40- minute pilgrimage, participants sang “Villancicos” or traditional Christmas songs.