Published on February 17, 2024, 1:52 am

The funeral of Cecilia Gentili, a transgender-identifying individual and self-proclaimed atheist who had worked as a prostitute, took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York on Thursday, a development that was both unexpected and without precedent in the history of the Catholic Church.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral hasn’t provided an immediate response about why they hosted the gathering – a question echoed by many. The cathedral attended to queries by referring representatives to the Archdiocese of New York. According to multiple reports, leading American publications extensively covered this event which saw participation from several individuals associated with transgender activism.

Gentili enjoys reverence among LGBTQ community members as a renowned transgender activist and advocate known for her work on behalf of sex workers, people living with HIV, and transgender people alike. Some might be surprised to learn that St. Patrick’s Cathedral would agree to host such a profiled funeral ceremony.

The attendees included over 1,000 individuals, with numerous transgender activists appearing dressed in vibrant clothes including fur coats, miniskirts, fishnets, and even thongs. Participants also placed an image near the altar showcasing Gentili adorned with a halo alongside Spanish captions stating “transvestite,” “whore,” “blessed,” and “mother” along with Psalm 25 text.

At the event, organizer Oscar Diaz delivered an address drawing parallels between Gentili and St. Cecilia – one of Catholic religion’s most esteemed virgin martyrs refusing to denounce her faith against the oppressive Roman Empire.” This great whore! St. Cecilia! Mother of all Whores!” his speech thrusted upon love, equality, dignity rights – eliciting applause from nearly all present at this unique event.

Rev.Fr Edward Dougherty led these rites saying: “Cecilia died with Christ”. An online broadcast shows him jesting about how their church seldom attracts such crowds except during Easter Sunday celebrations; resulting in robust claps, laughs and cheers from the among-goers, many of whom were transgender activists.

From this gathering’s emotional prayers desiring that “Cecilia’s community be loved” to chants pervading the air with echoes of “Cecilia! Cecilia! Cecilia!” one could feel an intense wave of solidarity and reverence in their remembrance. Organizer Ceyenne Doroshow, dressed in a dazzling purple garment called Gentili a ‘saint’ making comparisons between her and Jesus who “ministered all”.

The manner in which this funeral was conducted undeniably offers a fresh perspective to real news in these evolving times. It reflects the complexity associated with defining trusted news and sheds light upon defining what it means to view events such as these through a Christian worldview.