In a heartbreaking tragedy, a Catholic priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, lost his life on Saturday after a heavy wooden crucifix detached from the altar wall and fell on him during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The tragic moment, captured on a livestreamed service, has drawn a global wave of grief and shock as footage circulated online.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez was leading the service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church when the incident occurred.
The visuals circulating on social media showed the giant crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking the priest on the head.
The accident occurred about 27 minutes after the Mass had begun, which was being livestreamed on social media. Video footage showed people shouting and asking for help after the crucifix fell on top of the priest.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest's death. "We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory," the Archdiocese statement read.
The statement did not clarify whether the priest died immediately after the crucifix fell on him or while receiving medical care.
The cause behind the crucifix's collapse remains unknown. No official explanation has been provided so far.
Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a religious order of priests and brothers dedicated to missionary work, preaching and serving disadvantaged communities that was founded in 1732.
