Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Scandalous Funeral Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Five days after mourners gathered at the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York for a funeral service for Cecilia Gentili, things took a turn for the irreverent. The New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan praised the cathedral for their handling of the situation, calling it an extraordinary response.
A Controversial Service
Cecilia Gentili, a 52-year-old advocate for the decriminalization of sex work, passed away on February 6 under unnamed circumstances. The funeral service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral featured unconventional elements, including Mass cards with Spanish words like ‘transvestite’ and ‘whore’ above a picture of Gentili. Mourners dressed in attire that raised eyebrows, with glittery miniskirts and fur stoles.
A Disrespectful Turn
During the service, disrespectful and irreverent language was used, with one individual referring to Gentili in a derogatory manner. The cathedral made a quick decision to change the service to a Liturgy of the Word after the eulogies took a disrespectful turn.
Response from the Cathedral
The cathedral’s rector, Father Enrique Salvo, labeled the behavior as scandalous and offered a Mass of Reparation at the directive of Cardinal Dolan. The LGBTQ group responsible for organizing the funeral called for accountability from the cathedral for shortening the service.
Seeking Apology and Healing
GLITS Inc. announced plans to hold a news conference to request a public apology from the Archdiocese of New York for their dismissive language. They expressed disappointment in the way the funeral service was cut short and the discriminatory rhetoric used by the rector.
A Complicated Relationship with Religion
Despite the Catholic funeral service, Gentili was a self-professed atheist who had been reexamining her relationship with religion. The organizers of the funeral did not disclose Gentili’s transgender identity to the cathedral staff, leading to misunderstandings.
Lessons Learned
Cardinal Dolan praised the response of the priests at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, highlighting the challenges of handling unexpected situations. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for sensitivity and understanding in all interactions.
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