The Archbishop of Boston is set to meet with a Dedham priest following the holidays to address a controversial nativity scene that has sparked debate. The display outside St. Susanna's Parish features a unique twist on the traditional nativity, with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph notably absent. Instead, the scene suggests that they were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, a controversial interpretation that has caused a stir. Archbishop Richard Henning confirmed the meeting with Father Stephen Josoma, the priest behind the display, and expressed his intention to listen and understand the priest's perspective first. This meeting comes after the Archdiocese's statement condemning the scene as 'divisive political messaging' and 'abhorrent' to ICE Director Todd Lyons. The church has a history of making bold statements through its nativity displays, including one in 2018 that depicted baby Jesus in a cage. Josoma's intention was to initiate a dialogue about contemporary issues, but the Archdiocese's stance on the current scene's removal highlights the ongoing debate around religious expression and political messaging in sacred spaces. The priest's words at Christmas Mass hinted at the controversial nature of the display, suggesting that mentioning St. Susanna's might elicit curious glances. The upcoming meeting will be a pivotal moment in addressing this unique and thought-provoking nativity scene.
