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A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large crucifix fell on him during a Mass that was being livestreamed from his church, in a tragic incident that shocked worshippers and viewers watching the service online.
The priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro Church, in Guayaquil, on Saturday, October 17, when the heavy wooden crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him. Blueprint reports
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death, expressing condolences to his family, friends and members of his religious community.
Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order known for its missionary work and service to disadvantaged communities.
Incident captured during live broadcast
Footage of the incident showed the priest standing behind the altar, facing the congregation, as a worshipper recited a prayer.
While the service continued, the large crucifix hanging on the wall behind him suddenly fell forward, striking the priest on the head and knocking him to the ground.
The priest did not appear to notice the crucifix falling before it struck him.
Worshippers could be heard screaming and calling for help as several people rushed towards the altar in an attempt to assist him. The livestream captured the immediate confusion and distress inside the church.
The broadcast was subsequently taken down, although recordings of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Archdiocese mourns priest
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in a statement expressing solidarity with his religious community, family and friends.
The archdiocese said the priest had departed to the “House of the Father”, expressing hope in the Christian promise of eternal life.
His death has drawn attention to the sudden and tragic circumstances in which the priest lost his life while carrying out his pastoral duties.
Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a religious order founded in 1732 and dedicated to missionary evangelisation and service.
Cause of accident remains unclear
As of the latest reports, the cause of the crucifix’s detachment from the wall had not been established publicly.
Local authorities had not issued a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the incident, while church officials had not disclosed whether any structural defect or installation problem contributed to the accident.
The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of ensuring that heavy religious fixtures and other structures mounted above altars and areas occupied by worshippers are securely installed and regularly inspected.
However, there has been no official finding establishing what caused the crucifix to fall in this particular case.
The tragedy has left members of the congregation and the wider Catholic community mourning the loss of a priest whose final moments were captured during a religious service.
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