Free Republic

[Catholic Caucus] Catholic parish refuses to take down anti-ICE Nativity scene despite bishop’s ordersFr. Stephen Josoma said he considers the Nativity display consistent with the U.S. bishops' 'Special Message' that criticized mass deportations.St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, has declined to take down a Nativity display suggesting that Jesus might have faced deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).Fr. Stephen Josoma, pastor of St. Susanna, told MassLive on Monday that he considers the Nativity display consistent with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) “Special Message” that criticized mass deportations.“We believe our position and practice to be faithful...

[Catholic Caucus] Coadjutor: Francis De Facto Sacks Providence BishopIn a surprise move, Francis appointed Rockville Centre Auxiliary Bishop Richard Henning, 58, as Coadjutor Bishop to Bishop Thomas Tobin, 74, of Providence, Rhode Island.A coadjutor automatically succeeds once the resignation of the diocesan bishop is accepted, therefore appointing a coadjutor turns a diocesan bishop into a lame duck. Tobin will turn 75 in April. He is one of the best bishops in the US.In August he challenged the rigidity of Francis' Traditionis Custodes. In December 2020, he questioned the Vatican's decision to "allow" bishops to prohibit the reception of Holy Communion...