Ecuadorian Priest Fatally Struck by Falling Crucifix During Livestreamed Mass
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was preparing Communion when the large wooden crucifix behind him fell.
A priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after being struck by a falling crucifix during a livestreamed Mass on Saturday. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church when the large wooden crucifix positioned behind him suddenly fell forward, striking him.
Video footage of the service captured screams from worshippers inside the church who rushed to his aid. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari's death in a Facebook statement, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in its Central Vicariate.
"Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari… has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory," the archdiocese wrote in Spanish, concluding with the Latin phrase, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."
The tragedy occurred just one day after the archdiocese had congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, according to the Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias. Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. Before serving in Guayaquil, he had been the parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.
His former parish also mourned his death in a social media tribute, remembering his dedication and pastoral care for its community, El Universo reported. The cause of the crucifix's fall remained unclear as church officials had not publicly provided an explanation for the incident.
