St. Patrick’s Cathedral says it was duped into hosting a “blasphemous” funeral for a transgender activist, with church leaders furious after she was hailed as “St. Patrick’s Cathedral.” Cecilia, mother of all whores. ”
More than 1,000 transgender and flamboyantly costumed mourners packed into the iconic cathedral to celebrate the life of Cecilia Gentili. Cecilia Gentili is a prominent activist who advocated for the trans community, sex workers, and people with HIV/AIDS. The New York Times reported.
Many of those in attendance reportedly wore miniskirts and fishnet stockings, while others wore halter tops and high-heeled shoes during the sometimes rowdy church service, including some on the island. It reportedly included a dance and a call from the pulpit by one of Gentili’s friends to simplify gender transition care. newspaper.
Near the altar, mass cards surround a photo of Gentili with a halo over her head, and above the text of Psalm 25 are the words “transvestite,” “prostitute,” “blessed” and “mother,” according to the Times. The words were written.
But the pomp of the funeral sparked a backlash from Catholics who felt the ceremony mocked their faith. The cathedral said it had no clue about Guintiri’s background.
“We would like to thank the many people who shared our outrage at the scandalous conduct at the funeral here at St. Patrick’s Cathedral earlier this week,” Pastor Enrique Salvo said. stated in a statement It’s on the parish’s website.
“The cathedral only knew that family and friends were requesting a Catholic funeral Mass, and never expected our welcome and prayers to be undermined in such a sacrilegious and deceptive manner.” ” he continued.
“It makes matters worse that such a scandal occurred in an ‘American parish church,'” he continued, noting that it happened just at the beginning of the holy season of Lent.
The funeral began with a performance of “This Day” by actor Billy Porter, and Father Edward Doherty performed the memorial service, during which he proclaimed, “Cecilia died with Christ.” Time magazine reported.
During the funeral, two people came to the altar to eulogize Gentili in both English and Spanish. Service show clip.
“This great prostitute, Saint Cecilia, the mother of all prostitutes,” a figure wearing a sleeveless top, hoop earrings and a cowboy hat introduced Gentili, to a standing ovation. “Today we say that we will see you soon, and that you will give us the strength and courage to carry on your legacy and continue the challenges ahead.”
At one point during the funeral, Gentili’s friend took to the podium and prayed for access to gender-affirming health care. In another unconventional scene, mourners danced down the aisle, outplaying a priest playing “Ave Maria,” changing the lyrics to “Ava Secria,” and twirling red scarves, the paper said.
The joyful ceremony for Gentili, a self-proclaimed atheist who died on February 6 at the age of 52, is believed to be the first funeral for a transgender person at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, funeral organizers said.
Funeral organizer Sayen Dorocho told the Times that Gentili’s loved ones had wanted the funeral to be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This is because the building on Fifth Avenue “is the same symbol as her.” However, she acknowledged that when she put together this article, she never mentioned that Gentili was transgender.
According to the Times, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few Catholic churches in New York City that is not LGBTQ-friendly.
The newspaper has contacted the Diocese of New York for comment.
Gentili, who was born in Argentina, first came out in 1984. She was a former sex worker. Admitted that he had lived in the U.S. illegally for 10 years.. She defected to the United States in 2012 and has started many organizations to help people with a similar past.
Gentili also appeared on the acclaimed FX series “Pose,” playing Miss Orlando, a New York City woman who offers plastic surgery at a discount.
