A Catholic priest was killed when a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church on the evening of Saturday 17 October when the crucifix behind him broke free and struck him.
The service was being broadcast on social media, capturing the moment worshippers began shouting and rushed forward to help. A woman can be heard calling for an ambulance as the congregation tried to assist the priest.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sánchez Molinari’s death in a statement, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in the Central Vicariate.
“Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory,” the archdiocese said.
It added: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Father Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. He had previously served as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.
Members of that former parish paid tribute to him online, describing his years of service and pastoral dedication to the community.
The tragedy came one day after the archdiocese had congratulated the priest on the anniversary of his ordination.
The cause of the crucifix’s collapse has not been established. Church officials had not publicly explained how the structure became detached.
