First night of Las Posadas draws growing crowd at St. Dominic Parish
What began as a centuries-old Hispanic devotion unfolded Tuesday night as a living, growing tradition at St. Dominic Parish in Youngstown.
On December 16, parishioners and visitors gathered for the first night of Las Posadas, a nine-day novena reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Christ. Now in its third year at St. Dominic Parish, the celebration has steadily grown—bringing together Hispanic families, longtime parishioners and newcomers drawn by prayer, culture and hospitality.
The evening began with the praying of the rosary, followed by Eucharistic adoration, setting a contemplative tone before the reenactment of the Posada itself. From there, the faithful joined in a procession that recalled the Holy Family’s journey. Children dressed as Mary and Joseph entered the church by knocking on the doors, before being welcomed. The word posada means “lodging” or “inn,” symbolizing the plea for shelter just as Joseph would have asked on Mary’s behalf on the night of Christ’s birth.
“It’s the third year that we’ve done it here at St. Dominic,” said Dominican Father Frassati Davis, pastor of the parish. “Last year was the first year that we kept all nine nights, and we’re doing that again this year.”
Rooted in traditions from Mexico and Central and South America—including El Salvador, Guatemala and Ecuador—Las Posadas combines prayer, song, procession and fellowship. Each night symbolizes the Holy Family’s plea for room in the inn, a reminder, Father Davis said, that the faithful are called to make room for Christ in their own lives.
“The nine days kept before Christmas are a night of prayer and celebration,” he said. “You could just sing a song or pray a rosary, but when you’re able to see Jesus face-to-face and really entrust yourself to Him, these nine days help us concentrate on doing that.”
Attendance reflects the devotion’s growing reach. What began with a single diocesan Posada drawing roughly 80 people has expanded into nightly gatherings averaging about 40 participants, with the opening and closing nights drawing the largest crowds.
Beyond numbers, the devotion has become a powerful tool of evangelization—especially among those who may not regularly attend Mass.
“There are plenty of people who hear about the Posada and don’t come to church,” Father Frassati said. “It’s a way to use a devotional to promote something foundational to our faith—that Jesus came to leave Himself to us in the Eucharist.”
Dominican Father Charles Rooney, who participated in his first Posada Tuesday night, described the experience as both beautiful and deeply theological.
“It’s wonderful to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord with a novena that reenacts the Holy Family petitioning for space in the inn,” Father Charles said. “Ultimately, the mystery of Christmas is about God making space in our own hearts.”
He added that the devotion’s cultural strength helps carry the faith beyond church walls.
“It begins here and then goes out into different families’ homes over the succeeding days,” he said. “It’s bringing the Church into the home, where God belongs—because God belongs everywhere that we are.”
This year’s opening night was made especially vibrant by the presence of five Dominican student brothers from the House of Studies in Washington, D.C., who traveled to Youngstown specifically to help prepare for and celebrate the Posadas. All five are Spanish-speaking and discerning or studying Spanish ministry.
The visiting friars—Brothers Finbar Kantor, Roland Wakefield, Francis Mills, Clement Greenspan and Sebastian Vicente—spent several days immersed in the preparations. They helped celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on Sunday, learned how to make tortillas, crafted piñatas, prepared traditional punch and tamales, and assisted families throughout the parish.
Their presence, Father Charles noted, embodied the spirit of the Posadas itself—meeting people where they are and walking with them toward Christ.
The evening concluded with fellowship and the breaking of piñatas, a joyful moment rich with symbolism. The piñata’s spikes traditionally represent the deadly sins, while breaking it open signifies overcoming sin through faith and perseverance. The sweets that spill forth serve as a reminder of God’s grace, freely given when evil is defeated.
As St. Dominic Parish begins another nine-night journey toward Christmas, the message remains simple and enduring: there is room at the inn—and in the heart—for all who seek Him.
