HOUSTON, TX. (University of St. Thomas) - The University of St. Thomas Campus Ministry will celebrate the 4th Annual Las Posadas at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30. Las Posadas re-enacts Mary and Joseph's quest for a place to stay in Bethlehem in a procession around the campus.

UST's Las Posadas, led by the Rev. Mike Buentello, CSB, chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, will begin in front of Guinan Hall, where students, staff, friends and visitors will sing "Pidiendo Posada," the traditional Mexican folk tune sung at all posadas. He will be accompanied by two young actors dressed as Mary and Joseph, along with a live donkey.

Father Buentello will lead the group down Yoakum Boulevard with spontaneous stops along the way. The procession ends in front of the Chapel of St. Basil with another Mexican folk tune, "Entren Peregrinos," which translates to "Pilgrims Enter."

"Las Posadas have been known primarily in Spanish, but this one has been adopted for a bilingual audience," said Father Buentello. "The essence stays the same."

Father Buentello will be joined by UST students who will lead the procession by singing and playing musical instruments.

Vincent Perez, a sophomore business major, will play guitar again this year as he leads the audience in song.

"In college, this is the most involved I have been with Las Posadas," Perez said. "I like how everyone gets together to do it, Spanish speaker or not, because it's primarily a Hispanic-rooted practice." 

Afterward, Campus Ministry will provide fellowship at the Campus Ministry House.

"It's a great way to share our culture and faith with other people," Perez said.

For additional information, contact Campus Ministry at 713-525-3589.