The parish priest of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Don Vitaliano della Sala, has decided to create an "inclusive" nativity scene this year with two mothers and no Saint Joseph, to also celebrate families traditionally "forgotten" and excluded from both rights and the Church.
Father Maurizio Patriciello, parish priest of Caivano, publicly criticized this choice, asking Don Vitaliano to make an act of humility and remove the added statuette and put Saint Joseph back in its place.
Reactions to this decision were very mixed. Maurizio Gasparri called the act "blasphemous" and disrespectful towards Catholics, while others, such as Vladimir Luxuria and LGBTQIA+ associations , approved the initiative of the parish priest of Mercogliano.
Father Maurizio Patriciello launched an appeal to Don Vitaliano, inviting him to respect the intelligence, sensitivity and faith of God's people. He underlined the importance of the family in the nativity scene, stating that no one, especially a priest, has the right to tamper with its meaning and structure.
Here is the full text of Don Patriciello's speech
Dear Don Vitaliano, dear brother in the priesthood, we can and must discuss everything. We must broaden our hearts and minds to the point of tearing them apart. However, always having respect for the intelligence, sensitivity and faith of the people of God. “That” family in the nativity scene is dear to us. So much. Too much. It tells a story. For those who believe, that Child is the son of God. We are at the origin of a thousand-year-old history. And not just of faith. No one – especially a priest – is allowed to tamper – arbitrarily – with its meaning and structure. In appropriate contexts we will discuss something else. No veto. No fear. No inhibition. No exclusion. The Church – you know it well – has no enemies. Retrace your steps. Try to make a small act of humility. Apologize. Remove the added statuette and put Saint Joseph back in his place. It is his right.
But what a scandal! This parish priest really dared to question the meaning and tradition of the nativity scene. I hope he will soon repent!
But what a beautiful inclusive nativity scene! So inclusive that even Saint Joseph is missing, what a tradition!
Gorgeous! Finally a nativity scene that adapts to modern times. But what's the point of having a Saint Joseph when there are two mothers!?
Bravo Don Vitaliano, finally a nativity scene that represents all families! Even those with two mothers and without Saint Joseph.
Wow, what a revolutionary idea! I can't wait to see the nativity scene with two mothers and no Saint Joseph in the year 2050!
Disgraced father. Why is the Bispo able to show an attitude before this blasphemous and retarded presépio?