The St.Patrick's Cathedral archdiocese in New York City has expressed its vehement disapproval of the "scandalous" and "sacrilegious" funeral service held for a prominent transgender activist, Cecilia Gentili.
The event has sparked a wave of indignation among the Catholic community.
Rev. Enrique Salvo, in a public statement, described the funeral as an "outrage." He expressed gratitude to those who had reached out to share their dismay over the event. "Thanks to so many who have let us know they share our outrage over the scandalous behavior at a funeral here at St. Patricks Cathedral earlier this week," Salvo penned.
The Manhattan archdiocese clarified that the cathedral was unaware of the nature of the funeral when they consented to host it. "The Cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a funeral Mass for a Catholic, and had no idea our welcome and prayer would be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive way," Father Salvo explained.
The funeral, attended by over a thousand people, ignited controversy as it centered on advocating for transgender rights and access to gender-affirming health care. A video eulogy, in which the deceased activist was referred to as the "Mother of all W-----," incited further outrage among the Catholic community.
The eulogist, amidst applause, remembered Gentili as the "great w----." "This w----. This great w----. St. Cecilia, Mother of all W-----!" he declared. "Today we say that we will see you soon and that you will give us the strength, the courage to continue your legacy," he added.
CatholicVote, a conservative political activist group, described the funeral as "just unbelievable and sick." The group's remarks followed a performance by LGBTQ+ activist Billy Porter, who opened Gentili's funeral with a song rendition of the "Our Father" prayer, which the group labeled as "mocking."
In response to the incident, Salvo announced that the church would conduct a "Mass of Reparation" two days after the funeral. "That such a scandal occurred at "Americas Parish Church" makes it worse; that it took place as Lent was beginning, the annual 40day struggle with the forces of sin and darkness, is a potent reminder of how much we need the prayer, reparation, repentance, grace, and mercy to which this holy season invites us," Salvo stated. "At the Cardinals directive, we have offered an appropriate Mass of Reparation," he concluded.
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