St. Patrick’s Cathedral held an unusual “Mass of Penance” at the historic Midtown church to atone for the “blasphemous” funeral of a trans woman last week, Catholic leaders said.
The church claimed it was deceived into hosting Thursday’s funeral for Cecilia Gentili, a Big Apple transgender activist who championed the rights of sex workers, AIDS patients and the LGBTQ community. “Cecilia, Mother of All Whores” at a service in Manhattan.
According to Catholic officials, a “Mass of Penance” was later needed to repair and cleanse the church of its sins over the funeral of a 52-year-old former sex worker from Argentina, but this was not the case for LGBTQ and transgender people. It is said to be a reflection of the Vatican’s staunch opposition to the right.
In a statement on behalf of the Archdiocese of New York, the Rev. Enrique Salvo said: “We would like to thank the many people who shared our outrage at the scandalous conduct at the funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral earlier this week. I will.” Saturday.
“The Cathedral only knows that family and friends are requesting a Catholic funeral Mass, and we cannot believe that our welcome and prayers could be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceptive manner.” ”Salvo wrote. “It’s only made worse by scandals like this one in America’s parish church.”
Organizers of Gentili’s funeral said it was believed to be the first time a transgender person had attended a service at the famous cathedral.
More than 1,000 mourners, many of them transgender, some wearing miniskirts and fishnet stockings, packed into the iconic cathedral for Gentili’s funeral. The New York Times reported.
The Mass card surrounds a photo of Gentili, with a halo above his head, and above the text of Psalm 25 are the words “transvestite,” “prostitute,” “blessed,” and “mother,” and mourners. sometimes danced in the aisles.
At one point during the service, someone wearing a sleeveless top, hoop earrings and a cowboy hat said to the Gentili crowd: You will give us the strength and courage to carry on your legacy and continue the challenges ahead. ”
This speech received a standing ovation.
The funeral also featured a performance of “This Day” by actor Billy Porter before the service by Father Edward Dougherty, and eulogies were given in both English and Spanish. Time magazine reported.
Many people gathered at the cathedral on Sunday said they didn’t think the funeral was a big deal.
“As a Catholic, I have no problem with this,” said Michael Horan, an Irish lawyer who attended Sunday’s service. “[Trans people] They are humans just like us. Jesus welcomed everyone. He didn’t say you were outside the tent for any reason. ”
Asked about the church’s outrage over Gentili’s funeral, Horan said, “Not everyone can have the same perspective.
“Maybe it was just a mistake. We all make mistakes,” the worshiper said.
Mark Faulkner, who attended Mass with his wife, agreed.
“I consider all life to be sacred. We all have shortcomings, but the mercy of our Lord covers all,” he said. “I believe all people are sacred and called to love their neighbor.”
Sam Myers, a gay British tourist, said outside the church:
“I don’t think being queer and being Catholic are mutually exclusive. A lot of queer people can call themselves spiritual on a personal level. But that’s a barrier.”
