Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Live-Streamed Mass in Ecuador
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was struck by a large crucifix that detached from the wall behind him during a service.
A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after being crushed by a falling crucifix while leading a Mass that was being livestreamed. The incident occurred Saturday at the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was conducting the service, which he was streaming on his personal social media accounts, when the large crucifix detached from the wall behind the altar and fell directly onto him approximately 27 minutes into the broadcast. The livestream was cut short shortly after the accident.
The video captured the sound of parishioners shouting in distress and calling for an ambulance. In the moments after the crucifix fell, individuals could be seen running towards the altar, presumably to assist the priest.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sanchez Molinari's death on Sunday in a statement posted on social media. "We announce that our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR—who served as parish priest of the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Perpetuo Socorro) in the Central Vicariate—has departed for the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory," the archdiocese stated, concluding with the traditional Catholic prayer for the deceased.
The archdiocese did not provide details regarding the cause of the crucifix's fall or whether an investigation would be conducted. It also did not specify if the priest died instantly or succumbed to his injuries later.
Father Sanchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic congregation founded by Saint Alphonsus Liguori in 1732. The Redemptorists typically serve poor and isolated communities and have approximately 4,500 members worldwide.
Social media users who commented on the saved livestream expressed their grief and remembered Sanchez Molinari as a dedicated priest and missionary. "What a loss. A great priest, a great friend. A true missionary of Christ," read one comment. Another user wrote, "I cannot believe it, Father—you have left us. You were an excellent, charitable priest. Rest now, Father; may God hold you in His holy glory."