St. Susanna Catholic Church’s Controversial Nativity Display
Every year around this season, St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, opts for a different display instead of the typical Nativity scene. This year, they put up a sign stating “ICE WAS HERE,” implying that Jesus and his family may have been taken by federal agents, preventing them from reaching Bethlehem—definitely not your usual Christmas message from the pastor, Stephen Josoma.
Comparatively, this year’s display seems mild next to the 2018 exhibit, where the infant Jesus was seen in a cage. Back then, conversations on the left focused on how Trump’s administration was supposedly separating families, leaving many children in cages while deporting their parents.
Father Josoma is quite candid. In contrast, pro-immigration bishops tend to express their open-border beliefs using softer language, like “compassion” and “Christian charity.”
After receiving numerous complaints, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Boston called for the removal of the exhibit, though one might wonder how they would react if a priest used the Nativity scene to criticize transgender issues. Would they quietly back away, or would they intervene?
The Bishops’ Immigration Stance
It’s clear that many Catholic bishops align with Fr. Josoma’s immigration views. Their official statement this year revealed ongoing criticism of border security, while remaining mostly silent about deportations and the humanitarian crisis linked to Biden’s border policies, which led to many immigrant children being lost, with reports suggesting that some might even face trafficking.
Pope Leo XIV has added to the confusion; while he has recently tweeted about the need for countries to control their borders, his consistent support for mass migration, especially from poorer regions, tends to contradict that message.
Passive-Aggressive Messaging
This situation might be bearable if it weren’t for the passive-aggressive tone. Father Josoma’s honesty stands out, while bishops’ gentle rhetoric often masks their support for open borders. They never directly endorse illegal immigration, but the implications in their messages are clear.
Moreover, they present an unrealistic binary: either we fully embrace millions from the developing world or we turn them away completely. They frame unrestricted immigration as a Christian act of charity, deeming any regulation a moral failure. The narrative shapes a desperate plea to support costly housing for migrants, while ignoring the complex social challenges mass migration poses.
For instance, in Western Europe, the experience with Muslim immigration has been linked to increased crime and poverty, presenting evidence of cultural tensions as immigrant communities often create enclaves with their own customs.
Some progressive Christians see this as a chance for evangelism, but there seems to be little actual outreach happening. Instead, the message to the faithful is often to simply be more “accommodating” while bishops engage in endless discussions with leaders whose beliefs are fundamentally at odds with liberal democratic values.
Motives Behind Bishops’ Position
So why do the bishops take this seemingly counterproductive stance? Two main reasons stand out.
First, many bishops lean left politically. Since Pope Francis’s tenure, they have often preached about climate change and celebrated LGBTQ issues, and now under Pope Leo’s leadership, they advocate for open borders.
Second, immigration is significantly profitable. Federal and state authorities have funneled millions to Catholic NGOs for immigrant resettlement efforts. Essentially, “caring for strangers” has become a lucrative enterprise. Some contend that bishops’ frustrations with border policies stem from financial stakes tied to these activities.
Persistent Hypocrisy
For conservative Catholics, the bishops’ political protests have grown intolerable. This frustration is compounded by their failures during critical moments, such as their handling of the pandemic. Despite their shortcomings, they still maintain a sense of moral superiority regarding immigration issues, reminiscent of the Church’s approach during past crises, like the Black Death, when they resorted to selling indulgences to bolster revenue.
Today’s immigration controversies likely won’t lead to the same upheaval, but they highlight a serious disconnect. Younger Catholics are increasingly skeptical of clergy messages about immigrants, recognizing an inconsistency in the narrative. Personally, I was struck by this during a recent Mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, where I witnessed a diverse congregation coming together, seemingly contradicting the bishops’ portrayal of the Church as unwelcoming.
Perhaps if more individuals engaged with the Church directly, the attitude would shift toward addressing real issues rather than maintaining a detached stance. That, I think, would really be a meaningful holiday gift.
