A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a massive wooden cross bearing a statue of Jesus fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil.
The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was struck by the heavy crucifix while conducting a service at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church on Saturday, October 17.
Shocking footage from the church’s livestream shows the large cross detaching from the wall above the altar and crashing onto Sánchez as he addressed worshippers.
The priest appeared unaware of the falling structure before it struck him directly. Worshippers could be heard crying out for help as the livestream continued following the incident.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez’s death and issued an obituary mourning the priest, who served as parish priest of the Church of Perpetual Help in the Central Vicariate.
In a statement signed by the Archbishop of Guayaquil, Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera, OFM, the Archdiocese announced the priest’s death in solemn religious terms.
“We inform you that our brother Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Church of Perpetual Help [Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro], has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy His presence and glory,” the statement read.
The Archdiocese also expressed solidarity with the Redemptorist family, the priest’s relatives and friends, and called on the faithful to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
The tragic incident has shocked worshippers, particularly after footage of the fatal accident circulated online. The video shows the priest being struck by the heavy crucifix as he celebrated Mass in Guayaquil, one of Ecuador’s largest cities.
