Local Catholic officials are hoping a performance of the Christmas story on both sides of the border in Nogales today will call attention to the plight of illegal entrants.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson's annual "Posada on the Border" — Posada en la Frontera — will begin at 3:30 p.m. in Nogales, Ariz., and then proceed into Nogales, Son.
A Mexican cultural tradition, the Posada dramatically re-enacts Mary and Joseph's search in Bethlehem for shelter — posada. On each side of the border, teens portraying Mary and Joseph will seek shelter at three inns to commemorate the search.
The teens and others will greet each other on both sides of the border when the Posada concludes with Mary and Joseph being welcomed at the stable. After the ceremony, the Posada will cross into Mexico and continue to Casa Hogar, an orphanage for girls in Nogales, Son.
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"The Posada helps to remind us that persons making the dangerous trek through the desert are human beings and in that sense, to be treated with dignity and respect," said Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson.
"To see the warmth with which people greet one another and pray together, and enjoy one another's company, that is a reminder to us that our neighbors are not criminals or terrorists or people of evil intent. It is a pretty moving experience," Kicanas said.
"The symbolism is that in the family of God there are no walls or divisions, but we see one another as sisters and brothers. And in that context we welcome one another as images of Christ. The symbolism is that as a border state, obviously while we must respect the rights of nations to defend and protect themselves, we must also find ways to build bridges and take down walls."
At least 100 people are expected to participate in the Posada on the U.S. side. Among those expected to attend on the Mexican side are Archbishop José Ulises Macías Salcedo of the Archdiocese of Hermosillo, Son.
In Tucson on Friday night, Catholic churches continued a Posadas tradition of doing the re-enactment at a different parish home each night. The local Posadas will continue each night through Dec. 23.
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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson says Posada on the Border will begin at 3:30 p.m. today.at East International Street at the border wall by the Morley Avenue entrance to Nogales, Son. The Morley crossing is immediately east of the DeConcini Port of Entry, across the Southern Pacific railroad tracks.
Visitors are advised to park in one of the lots along North Sonoita Avenue near Crawford Street. Anyone who plans to cross the border for the procession to Casa Hogar must have proper identification. It's about a 20-minute walk, with some rough terrain and uphill walking.