A Massachusetts Catholic church, St. Susanna Parish in Dedham, has ignited controversy with its empty Nativity scene featuring an unoccupied manger and a sign stating “ICE was here,” alongside contact details for an immigration monitoring group. The display deliberately excludes the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—to highlight modern immigration issues.
C.J. Doyle of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts condemned the display as “very offensive” and accused Josoma of politicizing Christmas, exploiting the Holy Family, and promoting left-wing ideology through “crackpot” stunts. Doyle labeled Josoma a “dissident priest” focused on personal political agendas rather than the Nativity’s true meaning, urging the Archdiocese of Boston to intervene. He also cited a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops statement against dehumanizing rhetoric, arguing the display dehumanizes law enforcement.
This incident echoes similar controversies, such as an Illinois Baptist church’s Nativity with zip-tied baby Jesus and gas-masked Mary and Joseph to symbolize family separation and refugees.The Archdiocese of Boston has not commented on the Dedham display.
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