A Catholic institution in Illinois is firmly upholding its decision to promote and facilitate a “Trans Day of Remembrance” ceremony in November.
Benedictine University hosted the event on November 20, aligning with the national observance of “Trans Day of Remembrance.” This day is dedicated to commemorating transgender individuals who have tragically lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence, as noted by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
The event was spearheaded by the university’s Mission & Ministry and Safe Space programs. A promotional graphic highlighted the purpose of the gathering, stating, “In observance of International Trans Day of Remembrance, we come together to honor those who have died due to anti-trans violence. Let us celebrate the dignity of every individual through God’s love and the profound care of our community.”
Angela Hall, located on the grounds of the former Benedictine University at North Fifth Street in Springfield, Illinois, Tuesday, November 16, 2021. The structure has since been acquired by Destiny Church. (Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via Imagn)
The promotional material also featured a quote from the late Fr. Mychal Judge, a gay priest and chaplain for the FDNY. Judge lost his life on 9/11 while providing aid to firefighters and victims during the attack on the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. He is recognized as “Victim 0001,” the first officially recorded casualty of 9/11.
The quote reads, “If no one told you today that they love you … you’re always held and loved by God,” attributed to Judge.
Benedictine University, not to be confused with Benedictine College, a Catholic school in Kansas, sponsors a “Safe Space” program through its Office of Belonging that “aims to help faculty/staff develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to create safe spaces at BenU and make our campus more welcoming and inclusive to LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.”
“We work to be a community characterized by the highest standards of empathy and opposition to all forms of hatred. We welcome LGBTQ+ persons with sincerity of heart and generosity,” the Safe Space webpage says.
Demonstrators carry signs and flags in support of transgender people during the Trans March in Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 13, 2024. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
It also lists officially trained “Safe Space Allies” on campus, a mix of faculty and staff ranging from deans to professors to the school’s director of facilities management. The page lists 60 total “Safe Space Allies” on the school’s Illinois campus. Benedictine also has a campus in Mesa, Arizona.
The Catholic Church does not officially recognize gay marriage or transgender identity as part of its doctrine.
In a lengthy statement to Fox News Digital, Benedictine University defended the event.
“At Benedictine University, we believe that honoring the dignity of every person and praying for those who have died are fundamental expressions of our Catholic and Benedictine identity,” the statement said. “The recent event was first and foremost a prayer service to honor lives lost. It was a solemn remembrance rooted in Catholic social teaching and belief in the inherent and sacred dignity possessed by every person, created in the image of God.”
Demonstrators display a “Protect Trans Rights” flag during a protest. (Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“This prayerful tradition of remembrance has been observed on our campus since 2018, reflecting our enduring commitment to these principles. Everyone deserves respect, love, safety, and justice,” the statement continued. “Every life deserves profound reverence. Every life lost deserves to be remembered. When we witness suffering, injustice, and violence, it’s our duty to love. This is what our University stands for.
“We remain committed to being a community where all feel safe, respected, and welcomed, and where we can come together in prayer, especially in moments of sorrow.”
