A Catholic priest, Fr. Patricio Alfredo Anchez Molinari, has tragically been killed after a massive crucifix fell and struck him on the head while he was conducting a church service being broadcast live at the Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) Church in Ecuador on Saturday, October 17,
According to reports, parishioners at the service witnessed the tragedy, as did thousands more watching the Mass via livestream.
The incident happened about 27 minutes into the ceremony, and the recording shows the structure leaning away from the wall before collapsing onto the altar where the priest was standing.
Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, Fr. Sánchez Molinari tragically died from his injuries.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a statement shared on its social media pages on Sunday
‘We inform you that our beloved Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to enjoy his presence and glory.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil joins in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul and expresses its solidarity, affection and love to the Redemptorist family, his relatives and friends.’
