A tragic incident occurred in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when a Catholic priest lost his life during a livestreamed Mass. Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday after a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and struck him against the pulpit. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death.
The distressing event took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Before the broadcast cut off, bystanders could be heard urgently calling for an ambulance. The Mass was being streamed on Father Sánchez’s Facebook page, which has over 4,600 followers. The video captured the moment the crucifix fell on the priest’s head as he faced the congregation. He collapsed and remained motionless.
Following the incident, the footage went viral, drawing attention across social media and news outlets. In a heartfelt post, the Archdiocese expressed grief over Father Sánchez’s passing, stating he has “departed to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory.” They extended their “solidarity, affection and love” to his family and friends.
Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order with a global presence in 80 countries. The local authorities have yet to comment on the accident. The situation has deeply affected the community, reflecting the profound impact of the priest’s loss.