An Illinois bishop who performed a "minor exorcism'' on the governor of that state over same-sex marriage will be the guest speaker at the annual Red Mass here in Arizona marking the beginning of the legislative session.

The Red Mass traditionally marks the beginning of the legislative session. And Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted gets to invite who he wants to deliver the homily. This year he chose Bishop Thomas Paprocki.

He gained headlines slightly more than a year ago when he conducted "prayers of supplication and exorcism in reparation for the sin of same-sex marriage."

That was on the same day Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed into law the redefinition of marriage. Paprocki also told a Chicago newspaper that the measure "comes from the devil and should be condemned as such." And he said that state lawmakers who support such measures are "morally complicit as co-operators in facilitating this grave sin."

Democratic Rep. Martin Quezada said he was hugely disappointed in Olmsted's decision to have Paprocki as the guest speaker.

"Especially with the direction the church is going in right now and our pope is going in with a lot of these issues, it seems to be really counter to direction the pope is trying to lead the church in," Quezada said.

That specifically refers to comments made by Pope Francis who, when asked last year about homosexuality, responded, "Who am I to judge?"

That's also the assessment of Republican Kate Brophy McGee who said she supports where the church is headed.

"Which is to grow our church and grow our understanding of God and not let anybody feel that they're not worthy to be in front of God," said Brophy McGee.

Brophy McGee said she is hoping the Mass that will be conducted will have "a very joyful, inclusive message."

Diocesean spokesman Rob DeFrancesco said Olmsted sees nothing wrong with having such a controversial figure as the guest speaker.

"He's a Catholic bishop. And he's a vocal defender of traditional marriage and conscience rights. He's very outspoken. And I think he's going to make a great homilist for the Red Mass," DeFrancesco said.

The Mass is set for Jan. 20 at St. Mary's Basilica in downtown Phoenix.