PCMA Supports Parish Dialogue about St. Susanna Creche

The Pax Christi Massachusetts board of directors stands with St. Susanna Parish, in Dedham, MA, and their pastor, Fr. Stephen Josoma, in replacing the Holy Family with the sign ICE WAS HERE* (full text below) in their outdoor creche this Christmas, while giving Jesus, Mary and Joseph sanctuary in a traditional manger at the altar inside the church. We affirm the parish’s intention to confront consciences with a window into the here and now, to be prophetic rather than partisan or divisive.

We also commend Boston Archbishop Henning and Cardinal O’Malley, together with the overwhelming majority of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, for their leadership in delivering a strong message last month in defense of the human dignity and right to due process of every immigrant. We believe that both actions uphold Jesus’ command, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13: 34-35) and Pope Leo’s call for us to “Open our arms and hearts to [immigrants], welcoming them as brothers and sisters, and being for them a presence of consolation and hope” (Vatican, October 5, 2025). We join all who see this as a major moral issue of our times. 

Pax Christi Massachusetts is a state chapter of Pax Christi USA, a section of Pax Christi International.
Fr. Rocco Puopolo, s.x., Coordinator of Pax Christi MA Board

*The full sign reads as follows: “ICE WAS HERE. The Holy Family is safe inside our church. If you see
ICE please call LUCE at 617-370-5023”