South Americaupdated 1h ago2 min read
Patricio Sanchez Killed When Crucifix Falls During Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil
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Priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died when a large crucifix fell during Mass in Guayaquil. The Mass was livestreamed when the crucifix toppled from the wall.
Crucifix kills priest
A Catholic priest died after a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and crushed him against the pulpit as he celebrated Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the priest as Patricio Sanchez and mourned his death in a statement that expressed its "solidarity, affection and love" for his family and friends.
Worshippers at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church shouted "Father, Father! Call an ambulance!" just before a livestreamed broadcast cut out.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death after footage showed a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking him on the head during the Saturday night service.
Livestream panic and identity
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the priest as Patricio Sánchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church, and footage showed the crucifix striking him on the head as he celebrated Mass.
Worshippers cried for help as the social media broadcast continued, and the incident left local authorities without comment because "Local authorities have not commented on the incident."
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a Facebook statement, and the statement said, "Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory,".
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, counted Sánchez Molinari as a member, and the sources described the order as founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.
Cause unclear, church statement
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a social media post that said, "We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez 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."
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
The sources said it remained unclear what caused the crucifix to fall, and church officials had not publicly provided an explanation for the collapse.
The incident took place at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, where video captured screams as worshippers ran to the altar area and called for help during the livestream.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil’s statement also included the prayer, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen," as the church mourned the death.