Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish — Branchville, NJ
During the Christmas season, the Hispanic community of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish lived the Christmas Novena in a deeply meaningful way. Following tradition, the novena was celebrated not in the church, but in the homes of parishioners. Each evening at 7:00 p.m., a different family opened the doors of their home to welcome the community. Even amid winter cold and snow, the faithful gathered to sing Christmas carols, pray together, and prepare spiritually for the birth of the Christ Child. The time of prayer concluded with a moment of fraternity and sharing, accompanied by traditional tamales.
These novenas became a true sign of communion. In an atmosphere distinct from that of the church, parishioners were able to share their faith more personally, get to know one another better, and strengthen the bonds that unite them as a parish family. Father Lisabet accompanied the community each evening, fostering prayer and encouraging community life.
For many families, the novena was also a privileged opportunity to pass on the faith and traditions to their children. Evelin Marines, who participated in the posadas and novenas for the first time, shared: “It is something very beautiful, especially keeping these traditions alive with my children so they can know our Hispanic culture and understand where their roots come from.” Likewise, Velquis Alvarado expressed her joy at hosting the novena in her home: “I had the opportunity to welcome everyone into my house. I really enjoy the fellowship among all the brothers and sisters of the Church, and seeing how the children get involved and participate in this beautiful experience.”
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From a perspective shaped by memory and identity, Milena Avilez commented: “I am Colombian, and I lived this experience in my country. Having it here is like reconnecting with my roots. We have created a beautiful family, and this is an opportunity to share more with one another.” Along the same lines, Brenda Sánchez affirmed: “Our doors have always been, and will continue to be, open to God and to the Virgin Mary, because this is a way of reaffirming our faith.”
Gabriel and Gabriela Villa reflected: “The novena means tradition, closeness, fellowship, fraternity, and unity within the community. Receiving everyone in our home is a way of sharing the joy of our hearts and serving our neighbor with humility.” Leonor and Gustavo highlighted that this experience brings consolation, peace, and strength in faith, allowing Christ to act with His mercy in the life of each family.
Finally, Belkis and Elder shared with gratitude: “It has been a blessing to host the posada in our home. It is beautiful to see the entire community gathered together and the children learning about the faith with peace in their hearts.” The community also celebrated the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, helping them prepare spiritually to live the mystery of Christmas more deeply.
Certainly, the Christmas Novena was much more than a custom. Lived night after night, it became a path of prayer, commitment, and shared faith, in that confident waiting that prepared the community to celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, who enters and remains when the doors of the heart and the home are opened to Him.
