N.Y. archdiocese blasts ‘scandalous behavior’ at funeral for trans activist

The Archdiocese of New York on Saturday condemned “scandalous conduct” at the funeral of transgender community activist Cecilia Gentili held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Thursday.

in statement On Saturday, Pastor Enrique Salvo said the cathedral was reportedly not informed that Ms. Gentili was an avowed atheist and that he was not informed of her identity before the service. said.

“The cathedral only knows that family and friends are requesting a Catholic funeral Mass, and we cannot imagine that our welcome and prayers could be degraded in such a sacrilegious and deceitful manner.” Nor did he do so,” Salvo said in a statement.

He also thanked “the many people who have let us know that they share our outrage at the scandalous conduct at the funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral earlier this week.”

The service drew hundreds of attendees, The Washington Post reported. report, some in the audience wore “boldly colored costumes” and some made “bold choices.” A funeral organizer told the Post that someone began singing along to a rendition of “Ave Maria” and dancing in the aisle, prompting applause from the audience.

Joseph Zwilling, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of New York, said in a follow-up statement to the newspaper that the statement was a response to “some of the people who attended the funeral, including comments such as ‘mother of all whores’ and changing the bishop’s words.” It’s referring to people’s actions.” Just two examples are the sacred hymns “Ave Maria” and “Ave Cecilia.” ”

Gentili was an outspoken advocate for the decriminalization of sex work and transgender rights. In her obituary, the New York Times said, “She was a former undocumented sex worker and addict, a powerful advocate for marginalized people and a compelling storyteller.” It was reported.

The Times also described her as “an ardent advocate for transgender people and sex workers, a powerful legislative lobbyist, an author, and a raunchy, searing performer.”

According to one report, she performed a one-woman show in New York in which she spoke in a light-hearted way about her experiences with religion and her “recent attempts to live a more pious life.” interview Published in November 2023.

Gentili’s family rejected the archdiocese’s statement in a statement.

“We brought precious lives and radical joy to the cathedral in a historic defiance of the church’s hypocrisy and anti-trans hatred. “Cecilia Gentili’s funeral, which filled the pews in any way she could, was a reflection of her love for her community and a testament to the impact of her tireless advocacy,” her family said. statement.

“We confer the title of saint on Cecilia for her life’s work of how she served, mothered, and loved all people, regardless of HIV, immigration, or employment status. Her heart and hands reach those whom the holy Church continues to neglect, oppress, and discipline, and transform the material circumstances of countless people, including the homeless and those in need of medical care. ” the statement continued. “The only deception that exists at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is that it claims to be a place where all are welcome. Gentili’s homecoming service is a demonstration of love and remembrance of a revolutionary saint in our community. It will live on in history as a radical act.”