'Totally disrespectful!' Outrage as NY Catholic church duped into hosting funeral for trans activist whose identity was kept secret

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Recent events sparked outrage among internet users when an update from New York City's St Patrick's Cathedral revealed that they unknowingly held a funeral for a trans activist, whose identity had been concealed from the church authorities.

The incident was widely criticized, with many labeling it as "disrespectful" and expressing anger about how such deception could occur.

St Patrick's Cathedral apologizes after they hold trans activist's funeral unknowingly

As per a report by Daily Mail, New York's St Patrick's Cathedral has come forward with claims that it was deceived into hosting a controversial funeral service for a transgender activist lauded during the mass as "the great who**s" 

The Catholic cathedral, known as 'America's parish church', has been instructed to conduct a reparation mass following an incident where hundreds of provocatively dressed admirers danced in the aisles to honor former sex worker Cecilia Gentili.

The Daily Mail reveals that Gentili, a self-proclaimed atheist, passed away at the age of 52 on February 6, with organizers admitting to keeping her identity "under wraps" when arranging the mass with cathedral authorities.

In response, the cathedral's pastor, Father Enrique Salvo, has issued a heartfelt apology to parishioners, expressing gratitude to those who have voiced their outrage.

Salvo said, "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. That such a scandal occurred at 'America's Parish Church' makes it worse. 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."

According to the Daily Mail, Gentili, originally from Argentina, turned to sex work in New York City after immigrating to the US illegally and facing employment challenges in Miami. Arrested in 2009 on drug possession charges, she was incarcerated at Rikers Island. Still, she was released with an ankle bracelet after a judge deemed her unsafe to be imprisoned with either men or women due to the risk of assault.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Gentili was granted asylum in 2012 and became a prominent advocate for LGBT rights and HIV prevention. Just days before her passing, she successfully secured a $540,000 grant from the CDC for her transgender outreach program aimed at combating HIV transmission within the community.

Funeral organizer Ceyenne Doroshow, as per the Daily Mail, explained choosing St. Patrick's Cathedral for the February 15 funeral because "it is an icon, just like her."

The Daily Mail reports that approximately 1,000 mourners filled the pews, many dressed provocatively, with one individual sporting a feather boa made of $100 bills. A picture near the altar depicted a haloed Gentili surrounded by Spanish words for 'transvestite,' 'wh**e,' 'blessed,' and 'mother' above the text of Psalm 25.

Per the Daily Mail, actor Billy Porter initiated the 'political theatre' with a rendition of 'This Day,' followed by Father Edward Dougherty conducting the service, asserting that "Cecilia died with Christ."

A mourner reportedly proclaimed from the pulpit, "This great w****, St. Cecelia, mother of all w****s." Despite New York City hosting at least ten gay-friendly Catholic parishes, the Daily Mail highlights that St. Patrick's Cathedral is not among them.

Internet users assert the funeral ceremony was the church's 'mockery'

A user wrote, "Totally disrespectful. Why would anyone throw a memorial in a church when the person was atheist?"

Another user wrote, "Wow. I am at a loss for words."

A user commented, "The ceremony should have been shut down as soon as it was evident what was happening"

Another user commented, "Hard to see it as anything but a mockery. Sad"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.