The word to which he objected was "animositous"

Your word "animositous" does not appear to be derived from "animous", Father Steve. "Animous" is a first cousin of "animus".

Your word "animositous" appears to be associated with "animosity" and, considering that you used the word in a judicial proceeding [ecclesiastical justice?], I assume that you were characterizing the behavior of one of the opposing or contending parties in that proceeeding.

How do you describe the behavior of someone who is animated by "animosity"? "Animositous" is a good solution. Congratulations on your ingenuity, Father Steve.