A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during Mass. The tragedy happened in Guayaquil, a port city on the country’s coast. The service was being shown live on social media when the accident took place.
The man was Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari. He was the parish priest at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. On Saturday evening, he was leading the Mass as usual. About 27 minutes into the service, the heavy crucifix came loose from the wall behind the altar. It struck him on the head and back. He collapsed near the pulpit.
Worshippers rushed to the altar to help him. Others called loudly for emergency aid. As confusion spread through the church, the livestream was cut off. Emergency teams arrived soon after. Sadly, Father Sánchez Molinari died from his injuries later that day.
Shortly before the accident, the priest had given a homily about how brief human life is. Witnesses said he asked people to focus on their spiritual lives instead of worldly distractions. He even named the overuse of mobile phones as one example. The sudden accident left the congregation deeply shocked.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a public statement. It called him a beloved member of the clergy who served at the parish in the Central Vicariate. He belonged to the Redemptorists, which is the common name for the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. The statement said he had gone to the Father’s house to rejoice in God’s presence and glory. It also offered a prayer for his eternal rest.
His death came just one day after the archdiocese marked the anniversary of his ordination. That made the news even harder for many people to accept.
The reason the crucifix fell has not been officially confirmed. It may have been a problem with the fittings that held it to the wall. It may also have been damage that built up in the structure over time. However, no official finding has been shared to support either idea.
Local authorities and church officials are still looking into what happened. The circumstances of the accident remain under review. More information is expected once their checks are finished. For now, the parish community is left grieving a priest who served them, and many people are waiting for answers. Prayers continue for his soul and for everyone who watched the moment unfold in person or online.
