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	Mass. Diocese Takes Manger Scene from Closed Parish, Says to Be Used at Active Parish The Republic December 23, 2011 http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/ba00509df75840459f5ce6f197f96310/MA--Church-Closing-Vigil/ Protesters occupying a closed church in Holyoke say the Springfield Diocese removed a manger scene protesters had set up to celebrate the Christmas holiday. But diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont said workers went to retrieve the manger scene for an open parish nearby and found protesters had taken it out without permission. Victor Anop, a protest leader at Mater Dolorosa Church, said on Wednesday diocesan workers took away figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. He said protesters would replace the figures, and compared the diocese to the "Grinch, Scrooge and Marley." But diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont said workers went to retrieve the manger scene for an open parish nearby and found protesters had taken it out without permission. He said the workers simply took it to the active parish, adding all Mater Dolorosa protesters would be welcome there. Protesters have occupied the building since June, disputing the diocese's decision to close it due to debt and what it says is an unsafe steeple.
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