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Benedictine University Defends Prayerful Observance of Trans Day of Remembrance

11:31 AM, 12/02/2025
Benedictine University Defends Prayerful Observance of Trans Day of Remembrance

Benedictine University held a prayer service on Nov. 20 to mark Trans Day of Remembrance and defended the event as a solemn act rooted in Catholic social teaching. The university said the observance—held on campus since 2018—honors lives lost to anti-trans violence and affirms respect for human dignity. Benedictine's Office of Belonging runs a "Safe Space" program with 60 trained allies to support LGBTQ+ inclusion on campus.

Benedictine University in Illinois has defended its decision to publicize and host a prayer service on Nov. 20 to mark Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day dedicated to honoring transgender people who have lost their lives to anti-transgender violence. University leaders say the gathering was a solemn act of prayer rooted in Catholic social teaching and a commitment to the dignity of every person.

The event was promoted as "led by Mission & Ministry and Safe Space" and included the message: "May we honor the dignity of each person through the love of God and deep care of community." The promotional graphic also quoted the late Fr. Mychal Judge, an FDNY chaplain who died on Sept. 11 while ministering to victims:

"If no one told you today that they love you ... you're always held and loved by God."

Benedictine's Office of Belonging runs a "Safe Space" program that aims to help faculty and staff develop the knowledge and skills to create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students and community members. The program lists 60 officially trained "Safe Space Allies" on the Illinois campus and supports inclusion efforts across the university's campuses, including its Mesa, Arizona location.

Although the Catholic Church does not formally recognize same-sex marriage or transgender identity as doctrines of the faith, the university emphasized that the TDOR observance was framed as a prayer service and act of remembrance. In a statement, Benedictine said:

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 recent event was first and foremost a prayer service to honor lives lost. 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.

The university noted that this tradition has been observed on campus since 2018. The observance at Benedictine highlights the wider conversation at faith-based institutions about balancing doctrinal positions with pastoral care and support for vulnerable communities.

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