Boston Archbishop to Meet Priest Over Controversial ‘ICE Was Here’ Nativity Scene
A striking nativity display depicting the absence of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—suggesting their detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—has prompted the Archbishop of Boston, Richard Henning, to schedule a meeting with the priest of St. Susanna’s Parish in Dedham. The meeting, confirmed by the Archdiocese, will take place sometime in January following the holidays.
The unconventional nativity scene, erected shortly after Thanksgiving, has ignited debate and drawn criticism from both the Archdiocese and ICE officials. The display is the latest in a series of politically charged nativity presentations at St. Susanna’s, including a 2018 scene featuring baby Jesus in a cage. According to Father Stephen Josoma, the parish priest, the intention behind the display was “to create dialogue around contemporary life.”
Archbishop Henning indicated his intention to listen to Father Josoma’s perspective before addressing the matter further. “My first thing will be just to hear him out and listen,” Henning told The Boston Globe on Wednesday. “He was the one that asked to speak with me. I’d like to hear him first.”
However, the Archdiocese has firmly stated its disapproval of the display, arguing it detracts from the spiritual purpose of the church. “The people of God have the right to expect that, when they come to church, they will encounter genuine opportunities for prayer and Catholic worship—not divisive political messaging,” the Archdiocese said in a statement. “The Church’s norms prohibit the use of sacred objects for any purpose other than the devotion of God’s people.”
The controversy extends beyond the Catholic Church, with ICE Director Todd Lyons labeling the display “abhorrent” and accusing it of promoting a “dangerous and extremist narrative.”
During Christmas Day Mass at St. Susanna’s, Father Josoma appeared to acknowledge the attention surrounding the nativity scene. He playfully advised parishioners that if asked about their Christmas Mass location, they should simply respond, “it’s so good to see you!”—a subtle nod to the potentially sensitive topic.
The upcoming meeting between Archbishop Henning and Father Josoma represents a pivotal moment in addressing the tension between artistic expression, religious devotion, and political commentary within the Archdiocese of Boston. The outcome of their discussion will likely set a precedent for future displays and the role of parishes in engaging with contemporary social issues.
