On Sunday, December 8, 2024, the Conventual Franciscans in Cracow got a chance to experience Christmas “Latin American style.” The Latin American faithful who attend a monthly Spanish Mass at the basilica on Franciszkańska Street, presented their national customs, music and dances at the friary.
After the 2:30 p.m. Spanish Mass, the faithful processed from the church to the Hall of Blessed James, in the manner of a Mexican tradition called “Las Posadas,” which represents the wanderings of the Mother of God and St. Joseph as they sought shelter for themselves and the Child Jesus who was about to be born.
The program also included a show about the Star of Bethlehem, Christmas carols, Latin American dances, the sharing of “opłatek” [a traditional Christmas bread in Poland that resembles the host used during Mass], Santa Claus and a “piñata” [suspended, breakable ball-shaped container of candy, decorated with seven spikes symbolizing mortal sins; when the container gets broken the candy pours out as a reward].
Finally, the organizers arranged a tasting of Christmas delicacies from Latin American countries, prepared by the faithful.
The Spanish Mass at the Conventual Franciscan basilica in Cracow is celebrated at 2:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of the month (except July, August and September). The faithful are offered confession during the half hour prior to the Mass. After the Mass those who wish can gather at the table in the friary.
Friar Ryszard JARMUŻ, was a missionary for many years in Bolivia, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru. He is currently responsible for Latin Americans in Cracow. According to him, this tradition was started twenty years ago by a then Conventual Franciscan clerical student, Friar Dariusz MAZUREK (now the Secretary General for Mission Animation in Rome,) and Eva and Felix MALAGA from Peru, who live in Cracow.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
