A Communion service in Ecuador turned tragic when a large crucifix fell from behind the altar and fatally struck a priest during a livestreamed Mass.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was preparing Communion at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday when the wooden crucifix suddenly tipped forward and hit him.
Footage from the livestream shows worshippers screaming before rushing toward the altar and calling for emergency assistance.
Portrait of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the Catholic priest killed when a crucifix fell during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Patricio Sanchez Facebook)
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in a Facebook post, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in the archdiocese’s 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 in Spanish.
The message ended with a traditional prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
The fatal accident came a day after the archdiocese had congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian outlet Primicias reported.
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Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari celebrates Mass at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Patricio Sanchez Facebook)
Because the Mass was being broadcast on social media, the livestream captured both the moment the crucifix fell and the congregation’s urgent efforts to help the priest.
“Father, Father … call an ambulance,” a woman is heard shouting in the recording.
Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, widely known as the Redemptorists. Primicias reported that he previously served for several years as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest, was killed when a crucifix fell during Communion. (Patricio Sanchez Facebook)
His former parish in Vinces paid tribute to him on social media, honoring the dedication and pastoral care he had shown the community, according to El Universo.
The cause of the crucifix’s collapse was still unknown Sunday. Church officials had not released a public explanation for why the structure fell.
