Christ the King Parish Lights the Night for Safety and Opportunity

December 18, 2009

Thursday evening, December 17^th, 200 pilgrims from Christ the King and the San Diego Organizing Project walked through their neighborhood to highlight the story of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were denied shelter or posada in two places before being welcomed to the humble place where the light of the world, Jesus Christ, would be born. The parish community around Christ the King has been seeking posada from the things that keep the Kingdom of God far off in the distance -- things like gang activity, fear, drugs, prostitution, and hopelessness.  Today residents seek shelter from insecurity, dark unsafe streets, and limited opportunities for young people.   At Christ the King, families await the gift of light and life in their homes, on their streets, and in the lives of their children.

In 2008 over 300 members of Christ the King parish received promising news that San Diego City Council President Ben Hueso would dedicate $168,000 for the installation of new street lighting, and over $200,000 to improve opportunities for youth at the Stockton Recreation Center in their neighborhood.  Parishioners are still waiting for these improvements in the community. 

The voyagers of this posada wanted everyone, especially Council President Hueso, to see the needs of their community and to be touched by the Spirit of hope and faith in our collective journey of creating change in our world.  Just as Mary and Joseph wandered by night the streets of their time, searching for refuge, light, warmth, and love, Christ the King parishioners seek posada from darkness just as real in our present day world.  They need the continued support and commitment of Mr. Hueso to secure these streetlights and place our recreation centers on solid ground before he leaves office.  See news coverage of the event.