La Posada, a Christmas festival originating in Latin America that dramatizes the search of Joseph and Mary for lodging held December 20, 2015 at 4pm at St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church 121 Bridge Ave, Red Bank, NJ
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| Posada means Inn in Spanish |
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| This is the first year St Anthony is offering this religious experience for its parishioners! |
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| The little petting zoo donkey was a hit! |
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| Fr Alberto Tamayo, Fr Rafael Esquien and Seminarian Nicholas Dolan presided. |
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| Mary and Joseph greet their donkey. |
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| Joseph and Mary were looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem |
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| Traditionally Posadas are celebrated each night 9 days before Christmas to re-enact the search. |
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| Typically the Posadas begins December 16 and ends December 24. |
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| Marya nd Joseph begin their search. |
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| The nine day celebration is a nine day novena representing the nine months of pregnancy, specifically the pregnancy of Mary carrying Jesus. |
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| In Mexico the Posadas is over 400 years old possibly begun by Friar Pedro de Gante in the 16th century. |
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| The procession is often followed by musicians and St Anthony did this as well. |
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| The first Innkeeper turns down Joseph and Mary. |
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| Religious Education Director Charlie Gates reads a reflection. |
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| Religious Education parents dressed their children as angels or shepherds to join in the re-enactment. |
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| The second Innkeeper awaits Joseph and Mary. |
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| Parishioners crowd the streets to join in the search for lodging for the Holy Family. |
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| The second Innkeeper also turns Joseph and Mary away. |
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| Mary wonders where they will find shelter! |
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| Fr Al greets Mary and Joseph and invites them into the Inn of St Anthony Church! |
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| Fr Al invites all the parishioners to invite Jesus into their hearts and give Him a home there. |
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| Shawn Mack ,St Anthony Church Sacred Music Director, plays the organ for the evening program. |
