The Catholic Diocese of New York is publicly responding after footage from the funeral of a transactivist showed speakers mocking the religion and bragging about tricking the staff of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
Cecilia Gentili, a native of Argentina who identified as a transgender woman, died on Feb. 6 at the age of 52. Gentili was known as an advocate for transgenderism, sex workers, and HIV-positive people. Gentili’s family contacted Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan asking to hold a Catholic funeral which was subsequently planned for Feb. 15.
The funeral has deeply offended many Catholics and Catholic groups after videos of the sentiments shared by the speakers and organizer were made public.
In a video on X, a transgender activist addressed the attendees of the funerals and said Saint Patrick's was unaware that Gentili was transgender before dancing in celebration. The assembled crowd cheered.
Catholic Arena, which shares news related to the religion on X, posted the clip on Feb. 17, noting that the activists planning the funeral had “deliberately deceived St. Patrick's Cathedral.” NEW YORK
Far Left trans activists revealed that they had deliberately deceived St. Patrick's Cathedral by hiding the identity of the trans deceased as they unveiled plans to hijack the funeral the following day. pic.twitter.com/Xxoir84Pot
— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) February 17, 2024
Another video recorded inside the cathedral during the service shows two speakers referring to Gentili as “Saint Cecelia” and calling the deceased a “great whore” and the "mother of all whores” in Spanish and English as the crowd in the cathedral cheered.
“Today we say we ‘see you soon’ and that you will give us the strength and the courage to continue your legacy. To continue the challenges ahead,” said the speaker, who addressed the crowd in English. “To remain steadfast because we know what we deserve – love, equity, the same rights, and a life of dignity.”
Reverend Enrique Salvo, the pastor of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, released a statement on Feb. 17 condemning the scandal and thanking “so many who have let us know they share our outrage.”
“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,” wrote Salvo.
“That such a scandal occurred at ‘America’s Parish Church’ makes it worse,” he added. “That it took place as Lent was beginning, the annual forty-day 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.”
The pastor said that he had offered a Mass of Reparation following a directive from the Cardinal.
Gentili’s family defended the service.
“We brought precious life and radical joy to the Cathedral in historic defiance of the Church’s hypocrisy and anti-trans hatred,” they said in a statement. “We bestow sainthood upon Cecilia, for her life’s work, for how she ministered, mothered, and loved all people regardless of HIV, immigration, or employment status. Her heart and hands reached those the sanctimonious Church continues to belittle, oppress, and chastise.”
“The only deception present at St. Patrick’s Cathedral is that it claims to be a welcoming place for all,” the statement claims. “Gentili’s homegoing service will live on in history as a radical act of love and mourning for a revolutionary saint in our community.”
Construction on Saint Patrick’s Cathedral began in 1858 with contributions from “thousands of poor immigrants but also by the largesse of 103 prominent citizens who pledged $1,000 each” as a reflection of “democratic spirit” and to affirm “the ascendance of religious freedom and tolerance,” according to the cathedral’s website.
In Catholicism, Saint Cecilia is a virgin martyr who is recognized as the patron saint of music and musicians.
